Journal of Diabetes Research and Management

Microvascular and Macrovascular Complications

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Diabetes and ensuing complications can impair various organ systems and cause long-term damage. Diabetes alters the microvasculature, resulting in capillary basement membrane thickening and extracellular matrix protein production, which are the pathognomic characteristics of diabetic microangiopathy. Macrovascular problems can result from these changes in combination with advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and neovascularization of the vasa vasorum. Multiple organs, including the muscle, skin, heart, brain, and kidneys, are susceptible to damage by both microvascular and macrovascular complications that are linked to diabetes. The distinction between the underlying causes of the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes and the divergent reactions to therapeutic interventions is unclear. As more patients develop diabetes and insulin resistance, physical therapists must be cognizant of these complications.