Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Increased Heart Attack and Stroke Risk Due to Atherosclerosis
People with type 2 diabetes face a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, primarily due to atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up inside arteries. New research from Lund University in Sweden has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying this increased risk, offering potential avenues for more targeted treatments.
Atherosclerosis increases the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, and ultimately, reduced quality of life and even death. Andreas Edsfeldt and Isabel Gonçalves, researchers at the Lund University Diabetes Centre and cardiologists at Skåne University Hospital in Malmö, investigated differences in the atherosclerotic process between individuals with and without type 2 diabetes.
### The Problem: Lack of Protective Proteins
Their study, published in Nature Communications, analyzed atherosclerotic plaques from 219 individuals with cardiovascular disease. Notably, those with type 2 diabetes exhibited lower levels of protective connective tissue within their plaques compared to those without the disease.
This deficiency appears linked to a shortage of TGF-beta2, a specific growth factor crucial for building protective connective tissue. The researchers also discovered that high blood sugar levels can hinder the body’s ability to form this protective tissue, further escalating the risk of stroke and heart attack.
“High blood glucose levels were associated with lower levels of protective proteins in atherosclerotic plaques, which increased the risk of cardiovascular complications over time,” explains Edsfeldt.
“The finding suggests that maintaining well-controlled blood glucose levels is vital for people with type 2 diabetes to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease. Poor glycemic control may impair the body’s ability to produce these protective proteins in vulnerable plaque formations.” – Andreas Edsfeldt, Cardiologist and associate professor at Lund University Diabetes Centre.
### Looking Ahead: New Treatment Strategies
The research team is now focusing on exploring how this newfound knowledge can be translated into new treatments for type 2 diabetes patients.
“Our aspiration is to develop tailored treatments for individuals with type 2 diabetes that specifically reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks,” states Professor Isabel Gonçalves at Lund University Diabetes Centre and Senior Consultant at Skåne University Hospital.
“One avenue involves developing drugs that enhance the level of protective proteins within atherosclerotic plaques or therapies that stabilize these plaques, minimizing their likelihood of rupture and causing stroke or heart attack.” – Isabel Gonçalves, Professor of cardiology at Lund University Diabetes Centre and Senior Consultant at Skåne University Hospital.
This groundbreaking research offers a glimmer of hope for millions living with type 2 diabetes and at increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
Want to learn more about diabetes and cardiovascular health? Connect with a healthcare professional or visit reputable sources like the American Diabetes Association and the World Heart Federation.