Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with several complications. Which of the following is least likely to occur as a result of poor glycemic control?

• A. Retinopathy
• B. Nephropathy
• C. Hepatitis
• D. Neuropathy

Answer: (C)

Long-term high blood glucose directly damages small vessels and nerves, leading to classic complications in diabetes. The retina, kidneys, and peripheral nerves are particularly affected by chronic hyperglycemia through pathways that create vascular and nerve fiber damage, accumulation of harmful metabolic byproducts, and oxidative stress. This makes retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), and neuropathy (nerve damage) well-established outcomes of poor glycemic control. Hepatitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the liver usually caused by viral infection, alcohol, autoimmune disease, or other non-diabetic factors; it is not a direct consequence of hyperglycemia. Diabetes can be associated with fatty liver disease, which reflects metabolic changes, but that does not equate to hepatitis as a direct result of poor glycemic control.