Is fenofibrate a reasonable treatment for diabetic microvascular disease?

Type 2 diabetes is a pandemic disease, and its prevalence is increasing mainly due to an increase in obesity and life expectancy. Diabetic complications and their comorbidities constitute the most important economic cost of the disease and represent a significant economic burden for the healthcare systems of developed countries. Despite improving standards of care, people with diabetes remain at risk of the development and progression of microvascular diabetic complications. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic approaches is necessary. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the clinical benefits of fenofibrate on microvascular diabetic complications, with special emphasis on diabetic retinopathy. In addition, the potential mechanisms of action will be briefly discussed.