A review of emerging biomarkers connecting diabetes and ischemic stroke: Implications for early detection and risk stratification

Hussain, Nadia, Ramadan, Azza, Al Haddad, Amal Hussain Ibrahim, & Alfahl, Zina. (2026). A Review of Emerging Biomarkers Connecting Diabetes and Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Early Detection and Risk Stratification. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2026(1), 2719491. https://doi.org/10.1155/jdr/2719491

Abstract

Diabetes substantially increases the risk of ischemic stroke through complex metabolic, inflammatory, and vascular mechanisms, yet early identification of high-risk individuals remains challenging. This narrative review synthesizes emerging circulating and genomic biomarkers that illuminate the pathways linking diabetes and ischemic stroke and evaluates their potential for early detection and precise risk stratification. Systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified 141 relevant studies examining biomarkers, genetic and epigenetic factors, or risk prediction models in adults with diabetes. Evidence highlights several biomarker domains. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α indicate immune activation driving atherogenesis and plaque instability. Endothelial markers, including endothelin-1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and asymmetric dimethylarginine, reflect endothelial dysfunction and a prothrombotic state. Metabolic indicators, notably glycated hemoglobin, adipokines, and lipoprotein(a), capture cumulative glycemic burden, adipose signaling, and inherited atherothrombotic risk. Genetic and epigenetic measures, including polygenic risk scores, microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and DNA methylation, quantify inherited susceptibility and molecular imprints of the diabetic environment. Renal markers such as albuminuria and reduced eGFR reflect microvascular injury and consistently associate with stroke risk. Multimarker panels and multi-omics integration using machine learning approaches show promise for improving predictive accuracy, though standardization, external validation, and demonstration of clinical utility are needed. Integrating these biomarkers with established clinical risk factors could transform stroke prevention in diabetes from reactive to proactive, enabling personalized, mechanism-informed strategies for early detection and risk stratification.

Publisher

Wiley

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CC BY

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