The metabolic impact of type 2 diabetes on the human heart has been poorly studied. Scientists have various scattered data. For example, it is known that with heart failure, glucose uptake increases, but diabetes reduces the sensitivity of glucose transporters to insulin - these proteins transport glucose into and out of heart muscle cells.
A new study by scientists from the University of Sydney has shown the progression of heart failure against the background of diabetes. At the first stage, this was caused by an increase in the load on the mitochondria. Then the scientists also found a decrease in the production of structural proteins that are critical for the heart muscle and calcium absorption in ischemic heart disease, as well as the formation of fibrous tissue.
"We have now established the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease at the molecular level and know how it affects the heart's energy production and structure. So we can now begin to explore new avenues for treatment and diagnosis," concluded co-author Sean Lal.
Previously, other scientists had discovered an unexpected cause of vascular disease in diabetes and obesity. It turned out that the problem was a deficiency of certain fats, not an excess of them.
