Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In this article, the epidemiology, molecular mechanism of occurrence and development, risk factors, and treatment of diabetic microvascular complications such as diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were discussed, providing the theoretical basis for more accurate elucidation of the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic microvascular complications. METHODS: The electronic database of PubMed was searched, and retrieved papers were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form and the quality of included papers was assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight articles were included. Diabetes nephropathy, diabetes peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes retinopathy are the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes in clinical patients. Renin-angiotensin system blockers, beta drugs, statins, antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs, and antioxidants can inhibit the occurrence of microvascular complications in diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: However, there has been no breakthrough in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications. Therefore, prevention of diabetic microvascular complications is more important than treatment.