Diabetes mellitus can lead to which of the following complications?

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a range of complications due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, which can affect various systems in the body. One of the well-documented complications is cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, as diabetes negatively impacts blood vessels and contributes to atherosclerosis. Additionally, diabetes can lead to kidney damage, known as diabetic nephropathy, due to the strain that increased blood glucose levels place on the kidneys over time. This establishes a strong link between diabetes and both heart disease and kidney damage.

In contrast, the other options focus on either singular issues or conditions that are not primary complications resulting directly from diabetes. Hypoglycemia, while a concern for people with diabetes, particularly those on insulin or other medications that lower blood sugar, is not a complication of the disease itself but rather a potential side effect of treatment. Excessive sleepiness can be a symptom of various conditions, including poor glucose control or sleep disturbances, but it is not a direct complication of diabetes. Joint pain, likewise, may occur in some individuals with diabetes due to a variety of factors, but it is not classified as a direct complication of the disease. Thus, the option identifying heart disease and kidney damage accurately reflects the serious complications that can arise from diabetes mellitus.