Type 2 Diabetes Physically Alters the Human Heart, Study Finds
Type 2 diabetes doesn't just increase the risk of heart disease; it physically reshapes the heart, impairing energy production and stiffening muscle tissue, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Sydney, utilizing donated human hearts, discovered that diabetes fundamentally alters cardiac structure and function, pushing it closer to failure. The findings highlight the need for targeted therapies to mitigate these damaging effects.
The study, published January 4, 2026, revealed that diabetes disrupts how heart cells produce energy, weakens the muscle's structure, and triggers a buildup of stiff, fibrous tissue. This buildup makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
According to the research, these changes are especially severe in individuals with ischemic heart disease, the most common cause of heart failure. The study demonstrated how diabetes leaves a lasting mark on the human heart.
Researchers emphasized the importance of understanding these physical changes to develop effective treatments. The study underscores the need for targeted therapies to combat the damaging effects of type 2 diabetes on the heart.
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