KCNMA1 and diabetes mellitus: In both type 1 and type 2 diabetic animal models, BK channel function in the vasculature is impaired, and impairment of this function is associated with decreased BK‐β1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).8, 9, 10 In diabetes mellitus, BK channel dysfunction leads to abnormal vasoconstriction and finally contributes to tissue ischaemia.