Zebrafish as an effective model for accelerating diabetes research from discovery to therapy

Diabetes is a global health crisis affecting over 422 million people, necessitating innovative research models. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a powerful tool due to their genetic tractability, physiological similarity to humans, and suitability for high-throughput studies.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies involving zebrafish models of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Included publications were evaluated based on their methodology (e.g., surgical, chemical, genetic, or dietary induction of diabetes), reproducibility, and relevance to diabetic pathophysiology and complications.

Zebrafish models effectively replicate core diabetic features, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction. Their transparent embryos and larvae facilitate real-time visualization of metabolic and vascular changes. Furthermore, zebrafish support the study of diabetes-related complications-such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy-through genetic modifications and pharmacological interventions. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of antidiabetic drugs, including metformin and glimepiride, using these models.

Despite challenges (e.g., physiological differences from mammals), zebrafish bridge mechanistic discovery and translational applications, accelerating diabetes research. Their cost-effectiveness, rapid development, and screening potential underscore their critical role in understanding diabetes and developing targeted therapies to address this global health burden.