Classification of damage secondary to hyperglycemia
| Classification . | Examples . | Time for development . | Reversibility . |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular changes | Glycated hemoglobin | Weeks to months | Weeks to months |
| Other modified proteins | Months to years | Partial | |
| Methylated nucleotides | Years | Uncertain | |
| Tissue injuries | Retinal vessels | 2–5 years | Partial |
| Glomerular membranes | 2–5 years | Partial | |
| Nerve fibers | 2–5 years | Partial | |
| Arterial wall damage | 5–10 years | Limited | |
| Organ dysfunction | Reduced visual acuity | >10 years | Limited |
| Reduced eGFR | >10 years | Limited | |
| Peripheral neuropathy | >10 years | Limited | |
| Impaired cardiac performance | >10 years | Limited | |
| Clinical events | Vision loss | >10 years | No |
| Kidney failure | >10 years | No | |
| Foot ulceration | >10 years | Limited | |
| Stroke, myocardial infarct | >10 years | No | |
| Heart failure | >10 years | Limited | |
| Late impairments | Frailty, reduced mobility | >20 years | Progressive |
| Cognitive decline | >20 years | Progressive | |
| Institutionalization | >20 years | No | |
| Premature death | >20 years | No |
| Classification . | Examples . | Time for development . | Reversibility . |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular changes | Glycated hemoglobin | Weeks to months | Weeks to months |
| Other modified proteins | Months to years | Partial | |
| Methylated nucleotides | Years | Uncertain | |
| Tissue injuries | Retinal vessels | 2–5 years | Partial |
| Glomerular membranes | 2–5 years | Partial | |
| Nerve fibers | 2–5 years | Partial | |
| Arterial wall damage | 5–10 years | Limited | |
| Organ dysfunction | Reduced visual acuity | >10 years | Limited |
| Reduced eGFR | >10 years | Limited | |
| Peripheral neuropathy | >10 years | Limited | |
| Impaired cardiac performance | >10 years | Limited | |
| Clinical events | Vision loss | >10 years | No |
| Kidney failure | >10 years | No | |
| Foot ulceration | >10 years | Limited | |
| Stroke, myocardial infarct | >10 years | No | |
| Heart failure | >10 years | Limited | |
| Late impairments | Frailty, reduced mobility | >20 years | Progressive |
| Cognitive decline | >20 years | Progressive | |
| Institutionalization | >20 years | No | |
| Premature death | >20 years | No |
Examples within categories are shown with some associated characteristics.