Which complication of diabetes mellitus is characterized by kidney damage due to prolonged high blood glucose levels, leading to impaired kidney function and potential kidney failure?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that results from the thickening and narrowing of small blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the lower extremities. This can cause symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, and poor wound healing.

Incorrect choices:

a. This choice is incorrect. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication characterized by high blood glucose levels, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis.

b. This choice is incorrect. Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic complication that affects the kidneys and can lead to impaired kidney function.

c. This choice is incorrect. Diabetic neuropathy refers to nerve damage due to diabetes and can cause symptoms such as tingling, pain, and loss of sensation in the extremities.

Metformin is a commonly used oral antidiabetic medication that improves insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues, reduces hepatic glucose production, and enhances glucose uptake by cells.

Incorrect choices:

b. This choice is incorrect. Glipizide is a sulfonylurea medication that stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas, rather than increasing insulin sensitivity.

c. This choice is incorrect. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog used for mealtime coverage in insulin therapy.

d. This choice is incorrect. Exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that stimulates insulin secretion and suppresses glucagon release, but it does not primarily target insulin sensitivity.