Diabetes Directly Alters Heart Structure and Function, New Research Reveals
A growing body of evidence links type 2 diabetes to increased risk of heart disease, and a new study from the University of Sydney, Australia, provides crucial insight into how this connection manifests. Researchers have discovered that diabetes induces specific changes at both the molecular and structural levels within the heart, directly contributing to the development of heart failure.
The research team analyzed cardiac tissue samples donated by patients undergoing heart transplantation. Their investigation revealed distinct molecular alterations in heart cells of diabetic patients, alongside visible changes in the heart muscleS structure, notably in those with ischemic cardiomyopathy – a leading cause of heart failure.
“We’ve long observed a correlation between type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but this is the first study to concurrently analyze both conditions and pinpoint a unique molecular profile in patients experiencing both,” explains Dr. Benjamin hunter, a lead researcher on the project, as reported by the University of Sydney.
The study demonstrates that diabetes disrupts the heart’s energy production, compromises its structural integrity under stress, and impairs its ability to contract effectively to pump blood.Utilizing advanced microscopy, researchers observed the accumulation of fibrous tissue within the cardiac muscle – a clear indicator of these detrimental changes.
Normally, the heart utilizes a mix of fats, glucose, and ketones for energy. In heart failure, glucose uptake increases, but diabetes diminishes the sensitivity of insulin glucose carriers, hindering this process. this metabolic dysfunction places increased strain on mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy generation.
Further analysis revealed a reduction in the production of crucial structural proteins, essential for heart muscle contraction and calcium regulation – both vital for proper heart function. Concurrently, the build-up of rigid fibrous tissue was observed, restricting the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. Genetic analysis confirmed these changes, specifically highlighting alterations in pathways related to energy metabolism and tissue structure.
“Now that we’ve identified the molecular mechanisms linking diabetes and heart disease, and understand how energy production and heart structure are affected, we can begin to explore novel therapeutic avenues,” states Dr. Sean Lal, emphasizing the potential for future treatment development.
These findings also hold promise for refining diagnostic criteria and improving management strategies for both heart disease and diabetes,potentially enhancing the quality of care for millions of patients globally.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, with over 1.2 million Australians living with type 2 diabetes. this research offers a new understanding of the interplay between these conditions, paving the way for personalized treatments to mitigate their combined impact and reduce the burden of diabetes-related heart failure.
The full study is available in EMBO Molecular Medicine: https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44321-025-00281-9
