Matias's mother has T2DM. She is currently having problems with vision and burning in her feet. What is she most likely experiencing? Describe the pathophysiology of these complications

Question

You can tell that he is worried not only about his mother but also about his own health. Explain, using results of the Diabetes Complication and Control Trial (DCCT) as well as any other pertinent research data, how he can prevent these complications.

Answer 1

Matias's mother is most likely experiencing retinopathy and neuropathy secondary to T2DM and chronic hyperglycemia.
• Poorly controlled blood glucose levels can lead to a state of chronic hyperglycemia, which causes further complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy.
• Hyperglycemia results in increased production of sorbitol, which cannot cross the cell membrane. The accumulation of sorbitol damages blood vessels of the eye, leading to macular edema, glaucoma, and possible blindness.
• In general, hyperglycemia changes the structure of the blood vessels, causing endothelial damage to the vessels, whether the blood vessels are microvascular or macrovascular.
• The basement membrane of the blood vessels thickens, affecting the blood flow, especially to the extremities. This increased resistance increases blood pressure and work of the heart.
• Hyperglycemia results in abnormal amounts of glycated proteins that damage nerve structure and function.
The DCCT determined that in T1DM patients who improve glycemic control, complications associated with damaged vessels may be delayed or even prevented.
• There was a 60% reduction in microvascular neuropathy in those who used intensive insulin therapy for glycemic control compared to conventional therapy, and a 63% reduction in retinopathy. These numbers were significant.
• The EDIC study was a follow-up study using the same participants as the DCCT that demonstrated further reductions in the percentage of microvascular complications over a longer period of time.
• Using this information from these studies in type 1 diabetics, Matias can prevent complications, especially microvascular complications, by being compliant with intensive insulin therapy. If he can control his blood glucose levels, the risk for complications decreases.