ABSTRACT

Hyperglycemia induces multiple changes in vasculature or in neuronal cells in animal models of diabetes or in diabetic patients. The multifactorial nature of the changes is not surprising because the flux of glucose and its metabolites are known to affect many cellular pathways. The main challenge in this area has been to identify hyperglycemia-induced biochemical changes that can have a significant impact on vascular dysfunction and subsequent development of pathologies. Multiple theories have been proposed to explain the pathogene­ sis of the various complications involving retina, glomeruli, peripheral nerves, cardiovascular tissues, wound healing, and pregnancy. No one single theory, however, has emerged to account for all these changes.