The role of oxidative stress in diabetic complications

Diabetes eventually affects the function of most, if not all, tissues in the body. Thus, it is reasonable to consider a basic mechanism, such as oxidative stress, as a possible common cause of the diverse complications of diabetes. This review discusses current methods for assessing the status of oxidative stress in diabetes, the convincing evidence that oxidative stress mediates neuropathy and vasculopathy in animal models of diabetes, and the developing evidence that increased oxidative stress may have a role in the pathogenesis of the long-term complications of human diabetes. Because oxidative stress impairs vascular function, the treatment of diabetic complications should include multidrug therapies aimed at limiting oxidative stress and improving vascular tone.