Diabetes mellitus and anti-oxidative stress

Abstract

The development of diabetes complications, both microvascular and cardiovascular, is significantly influenced by oxidative stress. Diabetes-related metabolic problems lead to an overproduction of mitochondrial superoxide in the heart, small and large vascular endothelial cells, and both. Five key pathways implicated in the pathophysiology of problems are activated as a result of the increased superoxide generation. The purpose of this review is to highlight new insights into the processes through which hyperglycemia produces oxygen free radicals.