new research from teh Karolinska Institute suggests a link between red blood cell function and the progression of vascular damage in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes in February 2026, identifies a specific mechanism by which the duration of the disease impacts cardiovascular risk. Researchers found that red blood cells appear to contribute to endothelial dysfunction by reducing levels of a key molecule,miR-210-3p,offering a potential new therapeutic target for mitigating heart disease risk in diabetic patients.
The duration of type 2 diabetes significantly impacts the development of vascular damage, according to a new study. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have identified red blood cells as a key factor in this process, finding they become harmful to the endothelium – the inner lining of blood vessels – as the disease progresses (Diabetes 2026; DOI: 10.2337/db25-0463).
People with type 2 diabetes are known to have a heightened risk of cardiovascular events, and that risk increases the longer a person lives with the condition. Understanding the mechanisms behind this connection is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. Previous research from the same team demonstrated that red blood cells play a role in impairing endothelial function in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Specifically, the study found that these red blood cells reduce the expression of microRNA miR-210-3p, a molecule vital for maintaining healthy blood vessel function. This reduction in miR-210-3p contributes to the endothelial dysfunction observed in people with type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that red blood cells may be a therapeutic target for mitigating cardiovascular risk in this patient population.
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