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Diabetes Research News
May 28, 2020

Recapping Current Research Regarding Type 1 Diabetes Development and Cardiovascular Risks

Our bodies are formed from an innumerable number of cells and molecules. Both DNA and RNA play a role in determining cells’ function and purpose. At a conference of the National Congress of the Spanish Diabetes Society, researchers revealed new studies regarding the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development of type 1 diabetes, as well as the risk of cardiovascular problems in individuals with the disease.

A recent study found that lncRNA, which are use in transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of cells and are not translated into proteins, may be involved in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. There may be some forms of lncRNAs that affect inflammation and cell death, which are factors in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Dr. Izortze Santín Gómez, a professor at the University of the Basque Country and a researcher at the Biocruces Bizkaia Research Institute is studying the fundamental characteristics of the lncRNAs and how they may affect pancreatic beta cells on a genetic-molecular level. Once this is better understood, researchers could begin modifying the lncRNAs to create a targeted therapy that increases survival rate and viability of the pancreatic beta cells.

Another study that was presented at the conference involved cardiovascular risk for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Joseph Ribalta, a professor at the Rovira i Vigili University of Reus, found that “more than 30% of heart attacks occur in people with apparently normal LDL cholesterol.” High cholesterol is a key risk factor for heart attacks. His findings have revealed that individuals with T1D may be at greater risk because “LDL particles are more numerous and smaller, that their HDLs work less effectively and/or that there are some lipoproteins (remnants) that the body has trouble eliminating.”

Identifying these potential risk factors and knowing how to test for or treat them could help reduce hidden cardiovascular risk in individuals with T1D. For instance, focusing on triglycerides rather than cholesterol may be beneficial for patients who meet certain criteria.

There is a lot of interesting work coming out of laboratories and universities around the world regarding type 1 diabetes. Researchers are constantly improving and refining their understanding of the disease and possible ways to prevent, treat, or cure it. Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is committed to contributing to this wealth of knowledge by providing critical funding to early-career scientists pursuing novel research studies focused on type 1 diabetes. Click to learn more about current projects and provide support.

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Diabetes Research News
December 2, 2019

Exploring the Use of Targeted Proteins in Managing Type 1 Diabetes

Currently, the most effective treatment for type 1 diabetes is the administration of insulin, but this is not a perfect solution. Since the body is unable to produce enough – or in some cases any – insulin on its own, individuals are tasked with carefully determining when and how much they need to keep blood sugar levels in check. This in itself can be challenging, and too much or too little insulin can lead to potentially life-threatening hyper- or hypoglycemia.

In addition to controlling blood sugar, insulin also helps regulate ketones within the blood. Ketones are created when lipids are broken down by the liver because the body is lacking glucose. Increased ketone levels can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Trouble controlling fat in the blood can put individuals at a greater risk for cardiovascular problems.

However, a recent study by researchers at the University of Geneva in Switzerland reveals that combining insulin with high doses of the protein S100A9 may improve regulation of glucose as well as lipids. Though it has only been tested in insulin-deficient diabetic mice thus far, the researchers are in the process of gaining approval for phase I human clinical trials. Other studies have already shown that there is a reduced risk of diabetes in individuals with higher levels of S100A9, so they are hopeful that this protein can play an integral role in diabetes management as well.

Another interesting discovery that the researchers made was that S100A9 was only effective when cells with TLR4 receptors were present as well. At this point, they are unsure exactly what the relationship is and why TLR4 is necessary for the process to work. However, their study leads the way toward reducing the amount of insulin necessary to effectively control blood glucose and ketone levels by combining it with the S100A9 protein.

Though not involved in this study, Diabetes Research Connection (DRC) is excited to see how it progresses once human clinical trials begin as it has the potential to impact treatment for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes. The DRC supports the advancement of research and treatment through providing critical funding to early career scientists pursuing novel research studies for the disease. Find out how to support these efforts and learn more about current projects by visiting https://diabetesresearchconnection.org.

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