Reducing premature mortality from diabetes with diagnostic markers and innovative therapeutic strategies
In 2019, diabetes, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as the most prominent form, has been responsible for 1.5 million deaths worldwide. T2D develops as the consequence of the progressive decline of islet beta-cell insulin production and/or systemic insulin resistance. Chronic hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and inflammation are involved in insulin resistance and impairment of insulin secretion. Insulin resistance is currently tackled by the change of dietary habits and physical activity together with metformin. In combination with metformin, patients are also treated with several drugs that improve insulin secretion including glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) analogs and sulfonylureas. At present, there is a need to optimize the efficiency of these treatments and to find out new antidiabetics that improve insulin secretion and/or insulin sensitivity in a context of continuous hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and inflammation.
Here, Zhao et al show that combination of some current antidiabetic liraglutide (GLP-1 analog), metformin with diamicron (sulfonylurea) is optimal in elderly for improving insulin production, glucose and lipid metabolism. In addition, two articles from Zou et al and J. L. Jimmy list new potential natural antidiabetic compounds issued from plants, for combatting the harmful effects of inflammation and chronic hyperlipidemia. Beside of optimizing or finding out the antidiabetic drugs, Errafii et al identify some circulating miRNAs as potential early biomarkers for insulin resistance. These biomarkers would enable the implementation of early interventions and prescribe the right strategy at the right time. Complementary to this, the data note from Ahmed M et al presents the expression of genes in insulin-resistant organs from a mice model of diabetes and obesity, that could lead to identification of biomarkers of insulin resistance.
Edited by
Amar Abderrahmani(Lille University, France)