People living with type 2 diabetes for several years may experience changes in their red blood cells that can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal Diabetes. The research suggests that the longer a person has type 2 diabetes, the greater the risk to their heart.
The study found that red blood cells in individuals with long-term type 2 diabetes can begin to interfere with healthy blood vessel function. This detrimental shift was not observed in newly diagnosed patients, indicating it develops over time. Researchers also identified a specific molecule within blood cells that could potentially serve as an early biomarker for identifying rising cardiovascular risk.
"People with type 2 diabetes already face an elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes," explained Dr. [Fictional Name], lead author of the study and a researcher at Karolinska Institutet. "Our findings suggest that the duration of the disease plays a significant role in exacerbating this risk, and that changes in red blood cells may be a key factor."
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar (glucose). With type 2 diabetes, the body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn't produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to a host of complications, including heart disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage (nephropathy), and eye damage (retinopathy).
The researchers emphasized that further investigation is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which these red blood cell changes contribute to cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes. However, they believe that identifying this specific molecule could lead to the development of new diagnostic tools to assess cardiovascular risk earlier in the course of the disease.
"Early detection is crucial for preventing serious complications," said Dr. [Fictional Name]. "If we can identify individuals at higher risk sooner, we can implement more aggressive interventions to protect their heart health."
The study's findings have practical implications for both patients and healthcare providers. Individuals with type 2 diabetes should work closely with their doctors to manage their blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Regular cardiovascular screenings are also essential, particularly for those who have been living with the condition for an extended period.
The researchers plan to conduct further studies to validate the potential of the identified molecule as a biomarker and to explore potential therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse the harmful changes in red blood cells. The ultimate goal is to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
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