Chronic Diabetes Complications: The Need to Move beyond Classical Concepts
Dídac Mauricio1, Núria Alonso2, Mònica Gratacòs3
1DAP-Cat group, Unitat de Suport a la Recerca Barcelona, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Diabetic complications affect blood vessels and also cause overlooked issues like nerve damage, organ dysfunction, and cognitive decline. A holistic approach is crucial for comprehensive diabetes patient care.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Diabetic complications impact both microvascular and macrovascular systems.
- Target organs show large vessel injury and microangiopathic changes.
- Non-vascular complications of diabetes are frequently underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight overlooked diabetic complications beyond vascular damage.
- To advocate for a holistic view of diabetes management.
- To emphasize the importance of considering all organ systems in diabetes care.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on diabetes complications.
- Analysis of non-classical clinical repercussions.
- Synthesis of current understanding of diabetes pathophysiology.
Main Results:
- Identified neuronal, interstitial, and metabolic damage as key non-vascular complications.
- Highlighted conditions like cognitive decline, pulmonary dysfunction, and cancer risk.
- Emphasized the simultaneous micro- and macrovascular compromise.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes management requires a holistic perspective, addressing vascular and non-vascular complications.
- Healthcare providers must consider all potential organ involvements and clinical repercussions.
- Integrated patient care is essential for managing the multifaceted nature of diabetes.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...


