Individuals with diabetes are also at increased risk for developing infection due to hyperglycemia related to microvascular, macrovascular, and neuropathic complications due to:

Choice A reason: Cushing's is not related to this type of edema. Cushing's syndrome is a condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It can lead to various symptoms, including weight gain, thinning skin, and high blood pressure, but it does not describe the specific characteristic of edema that leaves an indentation when pressed.

Choice B reason: Swelling is a general term that describes an increase in the size of a body part, often due to the accumulation of fluid. While edema is a type of swelling, the term "swelling" itself does not specifically refer to the characteristic of leaving an indentation upon pressure.

Choice C reason: Dependent edema occurs in areas of the body that are lower than the heart, often due to gravity. This type of edema can be seen in conditions like heart failure or prolonged immobility. However, it does not specifically refer to the characteristic of pitting, which is the ability to leave an indentation upon applying pressure.

Choice D reason: Pitting edema is the correct term for this condition. It occurs when pressure is applied to a swollen area, forcing fluid movement and leaving a visible indentation that persists for some time. Pitting edema is commonly seen in conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and deep vein thrombosis. The extent and duration of the indentation can help assess the severity of the edema.

Choice A reason: Neuropathy, particularly diabetic neuropathy, is often caused by the thickening, sclerosis (hardening), obstruction, and ischemia (reduced blood flow) of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves (vasa nervorum). This can lead to nerve degeneration, delayed nerve conduction, and impaired sensory function. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage these small blood vessels, leading to neuropathy.

Choice B reason: While hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) is a major factor in the development of diabetic neuropathy, it is the resulting damage to the blood vessels supplying the nerves that directly causes the nerve degeneration and delayed conduction.

Choice C reason: Thickening of blood is not a direct cause of neuropathy. Neuropathy is more directly related to the damage and obstruction of the small blood vessels that supply the nerves.

Choice D reason: Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels) does not cause neuropathy. In fact, the acute effects of hypoglycemia are typically neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Chronic nerve damage, as seen in neuropathy, is usually due to prolonged hyperglycemia and its effects on blood vessels.