Endocrine Abstracts

The long-term microvascular complications of diabetes are a significant cause of morbidity and predict mortality in diabetic patients. Multiple pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of each of these complications. Evolving evidence suggests that early intervention may have long-term benefits in preventing development and reversing these chronic complications.

A major limitation in the approach to dealing with the microvascular complications is in the ability to diagnose, assess progression and define a therapeutic effect of interventions.

This lecture will:

1. Review the major pathogenetic mechanisms for diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy.

2. Consider established and novel approaches to diagnosing and monitoring progression of each complication.

3. Discuss the merit of established and novel therapeutic strategies.