Oxidative stress in cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction associated with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of heart failure independently of underlying coronary artery disease. It also causes skeletal muscle dysfunction, which is responsible for reduced exercise capacity commonly seen in heart failure. The underlying pathogenesis is partially understood. Several factors may contribute to the development of cardiac and skeletal muscle dysfunction in heart failure and diabetes mellitus. Based on the findings in animal models, this review discusses the role of oxidative stress that may be involved in the development and progression of cardiac and skeletal dysfunction associated with diabetes.