A Narrative Review: Relationship Between Glycemic Variability and Emerging Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

A growing body of evidence emphasizes the role of glycemic variability (GV) in the development of conventional diabetes-related complications. Furthermore, advancements in diabetes management and increased life expectancy have led to the emergence of new complications, such as cancer, liver disease, fractures, infections, and cognitive dysfunction. GV is considered to exacerbate oxidative stress and inflammation, acting as a major mechanism underlying these complications. However, few reviews have synthesized the association between GV and these emerging complications or examined their underlying mechanisms. Hence, this narrative review provides a comprehensive discussion of the burden, risks, and mechanisms of GV in these complications, offering further evidence supporting GV as a potential therapeutic target for diabetes management.