Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common ailment known to humans for thousands of years. In spite of this, the prevalence of DM continues to increase. The most current data show that the world-wide prevalence of DM in the adult population stands at 537 million. Despite the efforts made by researchers, governments, healthcare providers and others, it is estimated that the number of people with DM will increase to 783 million by 2045. DM is caused by the inability of insulin to transport glucose from the blood to target tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver, leading to hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia in turn leads to oxidative stress, glycation of proteins, and impaired metabolism of lipids and carbohydrates. All of these factors further induce cascades of signaling pathways, resulting in acute and chronic complications of DM. The signs and symptoms of DM include but are not limited to tiredness, polydipsia, and polyuria. Other signs of metabolic disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia may also be seen in patients with DM. The outcome of untreated DM is chronic complications in the form of retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy and severe damage to blood vessels and other organs of the body. Diabetes Complications – Molecular, Pathophysiological & Clinical Perspectives is a collection of original and up to date research and review articles on complications of diabetes mellitus. The areas covered in the book include the history, epidemiology, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and management of diabetes and its complications. This book is a source of information for everyone interested in events leading to the development of complications of diabetes mellitus.