Chronic complications of diabetes include: (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A reason: Positive feedback mechanisms amplify changes or deviations in the body. They are less common in physiological processes and typically drive processes to completion, such as childbirth and blood clotting. The regulation of blood glucose levels does not operate on a positive feedback mechanism.

Choice B reason: Releasing hormones are typically involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and the regulation of hormone secretion from other endocrine glands. Examples include thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Insulin secretion in response to blood glucose levels is not directly controlled by releasing hormones.

Choice C reason: Negative feedback is the primary mechanism by which homeostasis is maintained in the body. When blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas secretes insulin to lower blood glucose levels, restoring them to normal. This is an example of negative feedback, as the increase in glucose levels triggers a response (insulin secretion) that counteracts the initial change, bringing blood glucose back to its set point.

Choice D reason: Ectopic hormones are hormones produced by tissues that normally do not produce hormones, often in cases of tumors or certain disease conditions. The regulation of insulin in response to blood glucose levels does not involve ectopic hormone production.

Choice A reason: While high blood glucose levels are a key feature of diabetes and contribute to complications, it is the role of diabetes in promoting atherosclerosis that is more directly responsible for the high rate of macrovascular complications. High glucose levels can damage blood vessels and lead to the development of atherosclerosis, but the process is more complex and involves additional factors.

Choice B reason: Diabetes significantly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques in the arteries. This can lead to macrovascular complications such as coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Chronic hyperglycemia, along with associated lipid abnormalities and inflammation, accelerates the atherosclerotic process in individuals with diabetes.

Choice C reason: The role of platelets in the blood is not a primary factor in the macrovascular complications of diabetes. While platelet function can be altered in diabetes and contribute to clot formation, the central issue in macrovascular complications is the development of atherosclerosis.

Choice D reason: Increased white blood cell (WBC) count can be a sign of inflammation or infection, but it is not a primary cause of macrovascular complications in diabetes. The focus is more on the chronic inflammatory state and the development of atherosclerosis as major contributors to macrovascular disease in diabetes.