THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ANTIOXIDANT LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, which contributes to vascular complications, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy in diabetic patients. Antioxidants, including enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and non-enzymatic (vitamins C and E, selenium) systems, play a critical role in neutralizing ROS and preventing cellular damage. Understanding the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to reduce diabetic complications.