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Diabetic cerebral microvascular disorder: from key pathologies to targeted interventions
Qihan Zhang1,2, Jia Liu1,2,3, Xunming Ji1,2
1Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Annals of Medicine
|April 28, 2026
Summary
Diabetic cerebral microvascular disorder damages the brain, leading to stroke and dementia. This review details these microvascular changes and discusses potential treatments for diabetes-related neurological complications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue with severe vascular complications.
- The brain's microvasculature is susceptible to diabetic injury, contributing to neurological diseases.
- Diabetic cerebral microvascular disorder is not fully understood, hindering effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review structural and functional abnormalities of cerebral microcirculation in diabetes.
- To examine the link between these microvascular changes and neurological diseases.
- To discuss current and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of diabetic cerebral microvascular disorder.
- Analysis of pathological neovascularization, remodeling, and blood-brain barrier integrity.
- Examination of cerebrovascular reactivity, autoregulation, and neurovascular coupling.
Main Results:
- Diabetes causes pathological neovascularization, remodeling, and BBB disruption in cerebral microvessels.
- Impaired autoregulation, capillary stalling, and neurovascular uncoupling are observed.
- These alterations are linked to stroke, cognitive impairment, and other neurological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic cerebral microvascular disorder is a significant contributor to neurological complications.
- Further research into mechanisms is needed for targeted therapies.
- Clinical translation of microcirculation-focused strategies is crucial for managing diabetes-related brain issues.
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