A 34-year-old member asked:
diabetes results in increased rates of atherosclerosis, neuropathies, blindness, and gangrene? why?
2 doctor answers

Dr. Stanley Schwartz answered
52 years experience Endocrinology
Simple answer is: High sugars increase activity of various biochemical pathways that damage tissues
eye, kidney, nerve, blood vessels.
Answered on Jun 15, 2013

Dr. Joseph Mele answered
32 years experience Plastic Surgery
Good question: It is thought that the high levels of glucose cause damage to the nerves and the lining of the blood vessels. Nerve damage causes peripheral numbness and vascular damage causes poor circulation. Both contribute to problems with healing, open wounds, infections and gangrene. Blindness has to do with vessel injury, and can be slowed by an ophthalmologist.
Answered on Oct 7, 2013
2
2 thanks
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