Nuclear Medicine Imaging in Diabetes Mellitus: Current Applications and Emerging Molecular Targets

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and infections. Early detection and personalized interventions are crucial for optimal management. Nuclear medicine techniques such as positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography play a key role in early diagnosis and assessment of DM complications, including diabetic foot infections, myocardial perfusion abnormalities, renal dysfunction, and peripheral arterial disease. This review also explores emerging radiotracers for β-cell imaging, glucose metabolism, and inflammation. These imaging tools enable a deeper understanding of diabetes pathophysiology and support precision medicine, enhancing early detection, risk stratification, and individualized treatment.