Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. When functioning properly, free radicals fight off pathogens. Pathogens lead to infections.
When there are more free radicals present than can be kept in balance by antioxidants, the free radicals can start doing damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in your body.
There’s a link between oxidative stress and the onset or progression of certain diseases such as:
atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the blood vessels
inflammatory conditions
high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension
neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
cancer
*** Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes:
The consequences of oxidative stress in diabetes are widespread and multifaceted.
Moreover, organs and tissues throughout the body, including the kidneys, nerves, and eyes, are vulnerable to oxidative stress, resulting in diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.
Strategies to mitigate oxidative stress in diabetes include antioxidant therapy, lifestyle modifications, and effective management of hyperglycaemia.
However, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in diabetes and to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant interventions in preventing and treating diabetic complications. By addressing oxidative stress, it might be possible to alleviate the burden of diabetes and improve patient outcomes.
