The author discuss the problem of hyperglycaemia, non-enzymatic glycation, AGEs formation and their detoxification, interactions of AGEs at the cellular level and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of late diabetic complications. Over the past decade, dramatic progress has been achieved in elucidating the fundamental processes underlying the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The elucidation of the role of hyperglycaemia, AGEs formation and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications gives opportunities to influence the therapy of these complicated processes.

        Key words: hyperglycaemia, advanced glycation, AGE receptors, free radicals, carbonylative stress, oxidative