Associations of high blood sugar with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), characterized by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, is currently the most prevalent and serious metabolic disease worldwide that is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality. Although the pathogenesis of T2DM remains incompletely understood, increased oxidative stress, stemming from an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, and/or decreased efficiency of the antioxidant defense systems, as well as the proinflammatory state have been implicated in this process. High glucose is believed to be an important factor that contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation in T2DM. Here, we review current literature connecting hyperglycemia with oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with T2DM, focusing on the role of high glucose as an important factor directly relevant to oxidative stress and inflammatory processes.