Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Red Blood Cell Damage and Heart Risk

A study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Diabetes, shows that long-term type 2 diabetes can alter red blood cells in ways that damage blood vessels, increasing cardiovascular risk. While newly diagnosed patients’ red blood cells had no harmful effects, those living with diabetes for years developed cells that impaired vessel function. Animal studies confirmed similar results.

The researchers identified microRNA-210 as a key molecule: restoring its levels in red blood cells improved vascular function. This suggests it could serve as a biomarker to detect cardiovascular risk early, potentially before damage occurs.

Lead author Zhichao Zhou noted that the duration of diabetes, rather than simply having the disease, drives these harmful changes. First author Eftychia Kontidou highlighted that early detection could improve prevention strategies for heart attacks, strokes, and other complications in long-term type 2 diabetes patients.

25-01-2026