Diabetes and Hidden Heart Risks: New Lipid Research Uncovers Clues
A groundbreaking study has identified specific changes in lipid metabolism linked to subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.Subclinical atherosclerosis, a silent precursor to cardiovascular events, involves the gradual narrowing of arteries due to fat plaque buildup. This condition poses a significant threat to people with diabetes.
Did you know? Subclinical atherosclerosis often shows no symptoms, making early detection crucial for preventing serious heart problems.
The research, which analyzed data from over 500 participants, including those with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and individuals without diabetes, employed advanced lipid analysis and carotid artery ultrasounds. The findings revealed that nearly half of the participants exhibited signs of subclinical atherosclerosis.
Key Findings on Lipid Alterations
The study, published in Cardiovascular Diabetology, sheds light on the specific lipid species associated with arterial plaque formation in Type 2 diabetes patients. According to Dídac Mauricio, scientific director of the Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases area of the CIBER (CIBERDEM) and researcher at the Hospital of the Holy Cross and Sant Pau:
In the case of patients with type 2 diabetes, 27 different lipid species associated with the presence of arteriosclerosis plates in arteries were detected. Among the most involved lipids were phosphatidylcolins and diacylglycerides, which showed both upward and downward alterations. Interestingly, the most marked changes were observed in people with type 2 diabetes who were smokers or who did not continue treatment to control the cholesterol.
Dídac Mauricio, CIBERDEM
Pro tip: Regular cholesterol checks and adherence to prescribed treatments are vital for managing cardiovascular risk, especially for individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
Implications for Early Detection and personalized Treatment
Researchers believe these findings highlight a significant disruption in lipid metabolism in Type 2 diabetes.This discovery could pave the way for earlier identification of patients at higher cardiovascular risk. Moreover, it opens avenues for developing personalized prevention and treatment strategies based on individual lipid profiles.
The study is among the first to pinpoint specific lipids considerably linked to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (SCA) across individuals with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and those without diabetes, all without a known history of cardiovascular events.
Moreover, the research revealed that lipid differences are connected to specific risk factors associated with SCA. The alteration of lipid metabolism is more pronounced in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, particularly smokers or former smokers, and those not receiving lipid-lowering treatment, compared to othre groups.
The promise of Lipidomics
These results underscore the potential of lipidomics as a valuable tool for discovering new biomarkers applicable to preventive medicine in the cardiovascular field. However, researchers emphasize that identified lipids must be validated in an self-reliant cohort before they can be confirmed as potential SCA biomarkers.
