[Pathophysiology of vascular complications in diabetes]

Hyperglycemia is an important causative factor in the development of micro- and macrovascular complications in diabetes. It activates polyol pathway and protein kinase C, which result in the increase in insulin resistance and oxidative stress in vascular tissues, leading to the accelerated atherosclerosis. Increased hematocrit and blood viscosity are observed in diabetes, which contribute to an increased risk of thrombosis and accelerated vasculopathy. Blood glucose control as well as blood pressure control are important in the prevention of diabetic vascular complications as evidenced by large-scale interventional studies.