The prevention of diabetes-related complications is a fundamental goal of a comprehensive management strategy to ensure long-term health and quality of life in people with diabetes. Therefore, it is important to focus on the relationship between glycemic control and the prevention of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Microvascular complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy, foot care and diabetic kidney disease are summarized, including the importance of early recognition through appropriate screening, monitoring, risk factor identification, and management strategies to prevent and reduce progression. Macrovascular complications related to cardiovascular risk focusing on hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease are also reviewed.