Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is a significant cardiovascular complication in people with diabetes, characterized by ventricular dysfunction without underlying coronary artery disease or hypertension. This article provides an overview of the key mediators of DbCM, with a focus on the role of perturbations in cardiac substrate metabolism. It discusses the mechanisms regulating metabolic dysfunction, including the role of metabolites as signaling molecules within the diabetic heart. The article also explores preclinical approaches to target these perturbations to alleviate DbCM. Despite advancements in understanding, a clear definition of DbCM remains elusive due to its complexity. The article proposes a new definition: "diastolic dysfunction in the presence of altered myocardial metabolism in a person with diabetes but absence of other known causes of cardiomyopathy and/or hypertension." The article highlights the overlap between DbCM and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFP EF), a condition more prevalent in people with diabetes, and suggests that effective management of DbCM may reduce the prevalence of HFP EF. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing diastolic dysfunction and alleviating DbCM in early stages of type 2 diabetes to influence the progression of HFP EF, which would have significant implications for healthcare systems.Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DbCM) is a significant cardiovascular complication in people with diabetes, characterized by ventricular dysfunction without underlying coronary artery disease or hypertension. This article provides an overview of the key mediators of DbCM, with a focus on the role of perturbations in cardiac substrate metabolism. It discusses the mechanisms regulating metabolic dysfunction, including the role of metabolites as signaling molecules within the diabetic heart. The article also explores preclinical approaches to target these perturbations to alleviate DbCM. Despite advancements in understanding, a clear definition of DbCM remains elusive due to its complexity. The article proposes a new definition: "diastolic dysfunction in the presence of altered myocardial metabolism in a person with diabetes but absence of other known causes of cardiomyopathy and/or hypertension." The article highlights the overlap between DbCM and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFP EF), a condition more prevalent in people with diabetes, and suggests that effective management of DbCM may reduce the prevalence of HFP EF. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing diastolic dysfunction and alleviating DbCM in early stages of type 2 diabetes to influence the progression of HFP EF, which would have significant implications for healthcare systems.