COMORBIDITIES OF DIABETES MELLITUS AND THEIR PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS

Abstract

This literature review gathered medical books and articles published preferably in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese in the last five years in the PUBMED and SciELO databases with the main objective of indicating the main comorbidities associated with diabetes, in addition to their pathophysiological mechanisms. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, which can lead to a series of comorbidities. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in people with DM, driven by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and other associated risk factors. Diabetic neuropathy, which affects the peripheral nerves, causes pain, tingling and can lead to serious complications such as ulcers and amputations. Diabetic nephropathy, a progressive kidney disease, can result in chronic kidney failure. Diabetic retinopathy, in turn, affects the blood vessels of the retina and can cause everything from blurred vision to blindness. In addition to these, DM also increases the risk of infectious diseases, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, obesity, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure. Chronic hyperglycemia is a central factor contributing to protein glycation, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, pathophysiological mechanisms that link DM to its comorbidities. The treatment of DM and its comorbidities requires a multidisciplinary approach, with lifestyle changes and the use of medications to control glycemia and other risk factors. It is crucial that health professionals are aware of these comorbidities and perform comprehensive assessments in diabetic patients, aiming at early treatment and improving quality of life.