Intestinal microecology and its impact on microvascular complications in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) microvascular disease encompasses pathological alterations in the growth and permeability of microcirculatory vessels, including arterioles, capillaries and venules, driven by prolonged hyperglycemic conditions. Microangiopathy represents a primary contributor to blindness, end-stage renal failure, diabetic cardiomyopathy and peripheral neuropathy in elderly T2DM patients, posing significant risks to their survival and quality of life. In recent years, the intestinal microecology has emerged as a burgeoning area of research, with numerous studies highlighting its pivotal role in influencing age-related diseases. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the interplay between intestinal microecology in T2DM microangiopathy, exploring potential prevention and treatment targets from an innovative perspective, and offering novel insights for the management of T2DM-related microvascular complications.