How does high blood sugar lead to atherosclerosis?

Prolonged exposure to hyperglycemia is now recognized a major factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in diabetes. Hyperglycemia induces a large number of alterations at the cellular level of vascular tissue that potentially accelerate the atherosclerotic process.

How does high blood sugar affect arteries?

Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart. People with diabetes are also more likely to have other conditions that raise the risk for heart disease: High blood pressure increases the force of blood through your arteries and can damage artery walls.

What factors contribute to atherosclerosis?

What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis?

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• High blood pressure.
• Smoking.
• Type 1 diabetes.
• Obesity.
• Physical inactivity.
• High saturated fat diet.

Does insulin cause atherosclerosis?

While insulin resistance, by promoting dyslipidemia and other metabolic abnormalities, is part of the proatherogenic milieu, it is possible that insulin resistance itself in the vascular wall does not promote atherosclerosis.

Does diabetes cause clogged arteries?

People with diabetes have too much sugar in their blood. This may change blood chemistry and cause blood vessels to narrow. Or, it can damage blood vessels — a process known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is also called hardening of the arteries.

Does insulin resistance cause fluid retention?

Whereas, in the state of insulin resistance, the insulin-stimulated NO pathway is selectively impaired and the compensatory hyperinsulinemia may activate MAPK pathway, resulting in enhancement of vasoconstriction, proinflammation, increased sodium and water retention and the elevation of blood pressure [15, 16].

Why does hyperglycemia cause insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance occurs when excess glucose in the blood reduces the ability of the cells to absorb and use blood sugar for energy. This increases the risk of developing prediabetes and, eventually, type 2 diabetes.

How do you get arteriosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Risk factors may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity, and eating saturated fats.

How does hyperglycemia lead to atherosclerosis?

There is a strong association between hyperglycemia or high levels of blood sugar as well as the reasons which lead to atherosclerosis. High blood glucose levels are responsible for the increased production of free radicals.

What causes high blood sugar levels in blood?

Type 2 Diabetes: In this condition, the sugar levels in blood shoot up. Chronic high blood sugar condition can lead to arterial constriction and extremely sluggish flow of blood. Heredity: A history of arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis can predispose an individual to similar conditions before the age of 55.

What are the causes of atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis: symptoms and treatments. Many forces can cause this damage, including high blood pressure, cigarette smoke, diabetes, high cholesterol, conditions that cause blood to clot more easily, drugs such as cocaine and androgens, and possibly infections of the inner linings of the arteries.

What is arteriosclerosis and how does it affect your heart?

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from your heart to the rest of your body (arteries) become thick and stiff — sometimes restricting blood flow to your organs and tissues.