An estimated 13 million Americans have diabetes or pre-diabetes and don’t know it.
Now, a potential new blood test may not only easily indicate if you currently have Type 2 diabetes, but may also serve as an early indication for people at risk of developing the disease, years before symptoms may be present.
At the heart of the research are tiny building blocks of the body known as microRNA (ribonucleic acid), smaller versions of messenger RNA, which are critical to cell function. Researchers have discovered that there are differences in the blood levels of certain microRNA for diabetics versus non-diabetics.
Messenger RNA carries the blueprint for protein structures from a cell’s DNA to the rest of the cell. It is now believed that the microRNA may act as a regulator for messenger RNA. The researchers were able to isolate 13 microRNAs that were predictive for developing the disease.
The research study was conducted over more than 10 years in a town in Italy, with the original 13 biomarkers identified in 1995. Researchers then studied follow up samples collected at 5-year intervals, and were able to determine that changes occur in blood levels for approximately 5 types of microRNA before the onset of diabetes. One string in particular, microRNA 126, which has been shown to help new blood vessels form and regulates their maintenance, was measured throughout the study and proved especially accurate.
Early detection is important
Diabetes frequently goes undetected for years until the disease takes its toll and complications occur. Unfortunately, a great deal of damage to your body can be done early in the stages of diabetes, from the deterioration of blood vessels to kidney disease to diabetic neuropathy. In many cases, by the time symptoms for diabetes show up, the damage is already done and the patient can do little to control the impact. Early detection can help those at risk take measures to prevent the disease from taking hold, and possibly avoid critical organ problems that affect those with diabetes today.
As many as 40% of adults have diabetes or prediabetes. And since the disease is linked with increases in obesity, health professionals expect the incidence of Type 2 diabetes to grow significantly over the next 15 years, from 246 million worldwide to more than 380 million, a 35% increase.
While the researchers say more study is needed, the information from this investigation can be valuable not only for early detection, but also to help guide research into possible new treatments.
SUPPORTER