Heart Disease Precursor To Diabetes

A new research has found how heart disease can lead to the development of the diabetic condition in an individual. The research team from Chiba University found that stress from heart failure activates a protein that triggers fat tissue inflammation, insulin resistance and further heart issues.

The protein is called p53 and the results of the study would be published in the January issue of the journal Cell Metabolism. Study lead Tohru Minamino said, "Our findings clarify the reasons why the incidence of heart failure is high among diabetic patients, why the prevalence of insulin resistance is increased in heart failure patients and why treatment of insulin resistance improves the prognosis of heart failure patients."

In previous research conducted, the build up of the p53 protein in the heart tissue resulting from stress or age increases the risk of succumbing to heart failure. While it is widely accepted that p53 is a tumor suppressant, it is also an agent that promotes cellular aging. The studies found that the constant activation of p53 leads to inflammation and other age related health issues.

One way to break this link is through p53 deactivation without limiting the protein's ability to fight rumors from growing. This can lead to further anti-aging therapy without the risk of developing cancer.

Once the diabetes is activated, there is a greater health concern that grows as diabetes increases the risks of heart failure and cardiovascular diseases because of its complications. These include vascular issues as the blood vessels become weak and brittle, the greater viscosity of the blood leading to an increased incidence of blood clotting and vessel blockage as well as hypertension and other heart issues. This is called an individual's risk for metabolic syndrome. When an individual suffers from this syndrome, there is an increased risk of coronary heart disease as well as diabetes. The following are the characteristics of an individual susceptible to metabolic syndrome:

1. Abnormally high fat tissue in the abdomen;

2. Blood fat disorder as well as plaque build up in the arterial walls;

3. Resistance to insulin or intolerance to glucose;

4. High readings of fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor;

5. Increased blood pressure readings;

6. Increased sensitivity to C-reactive blood protein;

Thus when one has a predisposition for heart disease, one needs to monitor their blood sugar levels. One's risk to develop heart disease stems from either congenital predisposition, current health and weight, propensity to activity, the use of cigarettes and alcohol and diet. When an individual has this, it would be best to include diabetes tests and management therapy be included in their overall health regimen.

Bobby Castro is the online editor at the Diabetes Forum, where he has published a number of articles about diabetes news and many other topics.