[Oxidative stress and diabetes: role in the development of chronic complications].

"Oxidative stress" resulting both from over-production of reactive oxygen radicals and decreased efficiency of antioxidant defenses is now considered a factor contributing to the determination of chronic diabetic complications. The strict relations between the known pathogenetic factors involved in the development of these complications (non enzymatic protein glycation, activation of polyol pathway, lipidic changes, haematostatic abnormalities) and oxidative stress are examined in the light of the most recent research studies. The latest therapeutical approaches aiming at an increase in antioxidant defenses, and a reduction of oxidant are reported.