Animal Models of Diabetes and Complications for Studying Disease Mechanisms

ABSTRACT
This review aims to examine the use and effectiveness of animal models in understanding the pathophysiology and complications of diabetes. This review includes an analysis of recent literature investigating diabetes-related complications in animal models. Only English-language articles were included, with the majority published after 2018. Chemical models such as Alloxan and Streptozotocin (STZ) effectively induce diabetes; however, they may cause toxicity and systemic side effects. While Alloxan triggers Type 1 diabetes through β-cell toxicity, STZ is preferred for modeling both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Genetic models, such as NOD mice simulating autoimmune diabetes or db/db mice developing obesity-induced diabetes, provide advantages in studying the genetic aspects of the disease. However, these models have drawbacks, including high costs and complexity. Surgical approaches offer valuable insights into insulin secretion and pancreatic function, but their invasive nature and potential physiological differences pose limitations. Most models demonstrate that oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes lead to complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, diabetic nephropathy is characterized by podocyte damage, proteinuria, and changes in glomerular filtration, while diabetic retinopathy models show vascular alterations and vision loss. Diabetic neuropathy results in sensory and motor function loss, whereas cardiovascular complications are linked to arterial stiffness, hypertension, and heart failure. Selecting the appropriate model is crucial for evaluating diabetes progression and its complications. However, each model has its unique advantages and limitations. Chemical agents offer a fast and cost-effective approach, while genetic models provide a more physiologically relevant but expensive and technically complex alternative. This review may guide researchers in selecting the most suitable animal model for diabetes studies and contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: Diabetes, Complications, Animal Model, STZ, Alloxan