Which of the following is NOT a complication of diabetes mellitus?

The correct answer is asthma, as it is not typically recognized as a complication associated with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus can lead to a range of complications that affect multiple organ systems, primarily resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels that cause damage over time.

Neuropathy, kidney damage, and retinopathy are well-documented complications of diabetes. Neuropathy refers to nerve damage that can cause pain, tingling, and loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities. Kidney damage, or diabetic nephropathy, occurs as high glucose levels can harm the filtering units of the kidneys, leading to decreased function and potentially kidney failure. Retinopathy is a complication involving damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can result in vision loss if not managed properly.

Asthma, on the other hand, is primarily a respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and constriction, which is not directly linked to the metabolic derangements caused by diabetes. While diabetic patients might have other coexisting conditions, asthma itself does not stem from diabetes-related pathophysiological changes.