ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Exam Success!

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that arises due to prolonged elevated blood glucose levels, which can damage the peripheral nerves. This condition often manifests as numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet due to nerve damage. The high glucose levels can also lead to metabolic changes that impair nerve function and subsequent blood flow to these areas, exacerbating symptoms.

Understanding peripheral neuropathy as a complication is crucial because it has significant implications for diabetes management and patient care. Effective glycemic control can help prevent or delay this complication, making it an essential focus for individuals with diabetes. Other possible complications of diabetes, like cerebrovascular accidents, while related, are less directly tied to the metabolic derangements caused specifically by diabetes compared to peripheral neuropathy.