Investigating Plasma Biomarker Molecules Associated With the Progression of Prediabetes to Overt Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disease characterised by elevated blood sugar. This represents a worldwide concern due to the secondary complications associated with type 2 diabetes, which are considered an important cause of early death; particularly, given the predicted increase. The cost associated with the treatment and the complications associated with diabetes reaches £10 billion every year and it is expected to increase. From approximately 425 million (2017) it is projected that 629 million adults will be living with diabetes by 2045. Therefore, this matter requires effective interventions aimed at improving blood sugar control, reducing the burden on the economy while improving the quality of life among T2DMs.

Insulin, a hormone that is allowing the body to use or store sugar derived from food, is manufactured by the β-cells in the pancreas. The progression from pre-diabetes to overt type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed at the point of β-cell failure. Several factors are known to contribute to β-cell dysfunction such as: obesity (especially abdominal obesity), high blood pressure and elevated fats in the blood. Around 80% of the people who have been diagnosed with T2DM are either obese or overweight and they have been observed to have increased levels of fatty acids in the blood following a meal, which can induce insulin resistance. High levels of fatty acids have also been associated with an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are small proteins that have an effect on organs or other cells, contributing to chronic inflammation. High levels of chronic inflammation increase the chances of developing metabolic disorders such as T2DM. However, a complete picture of this process is still lacking.

The proposed study will help develop a more complete understanding of the molecules that may trigger β-cell failure.

The identification of these molecules that are implicated in β-cell failure, can lead to the development of targeted interventions for those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and potentially preventing habitual hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes.