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Molecular Mechanism of Diabetes and Its Complications

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2026) | Viewed by 1849

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0064, Japan
Interests: macrophage; diabetic comorbidities; atherosclerosis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Diabetes increases the risk of comorbidities, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. Various biochemical pathways activated under hyperglycemic conditions can contribute to the complications. It is important to reveal the mechanisms of early characteristic features of the comorbidities in hyperglycemia, which is considered to have a principal role in accelerating complications. For this Special Issue, we invite original research, review articles, rare case reports, and literature reviews on recent progress in molecular mechanisms of the relationship of diabetes with the complications in humans and animals.

Dr. Michishige Terasaki
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • diabetes
  • hyperglycemia
  • oxidative stress
  • atherosclerosis
  • comorbidity
  • complication
  • metabolic metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
  • steatohepatitis (MASH)
  • chronic kidney disease (CKD)
  • heart failure
  • heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
  • coronary artery disease (CAD)

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

53 pages, 3624 KB  
Review
Photobiomodulation and Low-Level Laser Therapy as Complementary Strategies in Diabetes Treatment
by Natalia Kurhaluk, Vladimir Tomin, Renata Kołodziejska and Halina Tkaczenko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27042078 - 23 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with a number of chronic complications, including neuropathy, impaired wound healing, vascular dysfunction, and metabolic dysregulation. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments and lifestyle interventions, current therapies often fail to prevent or reverse these complications entirely. [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial metabolic disorder associated with a number of chronic complications, including neuropathy, impaired wound healing, vascular dysfunction, and metabolic dysregulation. Despite advances in pharmacological treatments and lifestyle interventions, current therapies often fail to prevent or reverse these complications entirely. This narrative review examines the therapeutic potential of laser-based modalities, particularly low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), as complementary strategies in diabetes management. Analysis of experimental and clinical studies shows that laser therapy can enhance wound healing, alleviate neuropathic pain, improve glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity, modulate inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways, and support vascular function. These effects are primarily mediated through mitochondrial activation, nitric oxide release, angiogenesis, modulation of redox-sensitive transcription factors, and preservation of pancreatic β-cell function. Furthermore, laser therapy exhibits a favourable safety profile with minimal side effects. The review highlights the current challenges, such as the lack of standardised treatment parameters (e.g., wavelength, dosage, and duration) and the limited number of large-scale clinical trials. It emphasises the need for personalised protocols and integration of laser therapy with pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions. Continued research and interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to realise the potential of laser therapy as an integral component of comprehensive, evidence-based diabetes care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanism of Diabetes and Its Complications)
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