A review on aspects of diabetes mellitus caused by oxidative stress

Abstract

As a result of constant exposure to various stimuli, the human body produces reactive species known as free radicals (ROS/RNS), which oxidize cellular components through the transfer of their free unpaired electrons. The body possesses endogenous antioxidant systems, or it acquires exogenous antioxidants from the diet to combat the harmful effects of such species. These antioxidants neutralize the harmful species and maintain the body's homeostasis. Any imbalance between RS and antioxidants causes oxidative stress, which in turn causes the emergence of pathological conditions, one of which is diabetes. The majority of research suggest that oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes through changes in enzymatic systems, lipid peroxidation, poor glutathione metabolism, and decreased levels of vitamin C. Different biomarkers of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus include lipids, proteins, DNA damage, glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Diabetes complications brought on by oxidative stress can include stroke, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. This review's main goal was to briefly summarize the fundamentals of oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus and propose some natural remedies.