What is the most frequent complication associated with diabetes mellitus?

Diabetic neuropathy is indeed the most frequent complication associated with diabetes mellitus. This condition arises due to prolonged exposure to high blood glucose levels, which can damage nerves throughout the body. Neuropathy affects various parts of the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tingling, pain, and loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities.

Statistically, neuropathy affects a significant proportion of people with diabetes, with estimates indicating that around 60-70% of individuals with diabetes may experience some form of nerve damage. This makes it a prevalent complication compared to other conditions that diabetes can cause.

Though retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular disease are serious complications related to diabetes, they occur less frequently than neuropathy. Each of these complications can have significant effects on health, but the widespread nature and the higher prevalence of neuropathy make it the most common complication associated with diabetes mellitus.