Therapeutic targeting of endothelial dysfunction in chronic diabetic complications.

In an ever-increasing population of patients with diabetes, morbidity and mortality due to the secondary complications require prompt identification of the underlying mechanisms. Aberration in the vascular endothelial cell function may be a key element in the development and progression of the chronic diabetic complications. We present the hypothesis that preservation and restoration of the endothelial cell function may potentially be the most efficient means of targeting the adverse effects of hyperglycemia.