Background <p>Epigenetic factors, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), are gaining attention as promising biomarkers for disease prediction, detection, and monitoring. Variations in circulating miRNA levels have been linked to pre-diabetes, diabetes, and associated complications, showing their potential as early indicators of disease. The aim of the present study is to investigate the potential of hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-miR-513a-3p, and hsa-miR-30b-5p as early biomarkers for identifying people at risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to look into how they contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease.</p> Methods and results <p>The current case-control study involved 104 participants, categorized into pre-diabetic (<i>N</i> = 20), diabetic (<i>N</i> = 40), and healthy controls (<i>N</i> = 44), recruited from King Georges’ Medical University, India. Proper ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Participants were assessed based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis and miRNA isolation. The expression of particular miRNAs related to antioxidant pathways was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. Significant differences were observed in clinical parameters among the study groups. Diabetic individuals exhibited elevated FPG and HbA1c levels compared to pre-diabetics and controls. Notably, miRNAs viz. hsa-miR-377-3p, hsa-miR-513a-3p, and hsa-miR-30b-5p were identified as potential biomarkers linked to T2DM pathogenesis and antioxidant regulation. The study highlighted the role of these miRNAs in the development of diabetes-related complications and their potential as therapeutic targets.</p> Conclusions <p>The findings exhibited the necessity for early identification of individuals at risk for T2DM through miRNA profiling. This study contributes in the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment approaches as well as the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying T2DM.</p>