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Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Analysis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Published on: July 28, 2013
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Models for Detecting Brain Microstructural Abnormalities in Type 2 Diabetes: A
Yahui You1, Juan Wang1, Yongli Yan2
1Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Ave, Wuhan 430030, China.
Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked to brain changes affecting cognition. Advanced MRI techniques reveal microstructural abnormalities in the brain, offering potential imaging markers for T2DM complications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has doubled globally in 30 years.
- T2DM is associated with serious complications, including diabetic encephalopathy and cognitive decline.
- Brain microstructural changes are increasingly recognized as a complication of T2DM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review advanced diffusion MRI studies (2009-2025) on T2DM-related brain microstructural abnormalities.
- To synthesize findings on how T2DM impacts brain white and gray matter integrity.
- To evaluate the potential of dMRI metrics as biomarkers for T2DM brain alterations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of advanced diffusion MRI studies.
- Analysis of findings from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI), neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), and diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI).
- Focus on studies examining T2DM-related changes in white matter integrity, network topology, and tissue complexity.
Main Results:
- DTI consistently shows reduced white-matter integrity (lower FA, higher diffusivity) linked to cognitive impairment in T2DM.
- DTI network analysis reveals disrupted structural topology with reduced global and nodal efficiency.
- Newer dMRI techniques (DKI, NODDI, IVIM, DSI) provide more specific insights into white matter, gray matter, and microvascular alterations.
Conclusions:
- Advanced dMRI metrics show promise for characterizing T2DM-related brain microstructural changes.
- These metrics may serve as potential imaging biomarkers for T2DM complications.
- Further longitudinal, multicenter studies are needed to validate these dMRI measures as clinical biomarkers.
