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Insulin Therapy Improves Blood FatsWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?Diabetes is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD, disease of the heart and blood vessels). Problems with the body's ability to handle glucose and insulin are linked to high levels of fats in the blood, which are also linked to cardiovascular disease. A particular type of fat, called small dense low-density lipoprotein (sd-LDL), is believed to make cardiovascular disease more likely. But it isn't known if intensive use of insulin to treat high glucose in the blood also helps reduce fats in the blood. Why did the researchers do this particular study?The researchers wanted to see if intensive insulin therapy changes levels of sd-LDL. Who was studied?The study included 46 people with type 2 diabetes who were on high doses of oral diabetes medication. How was the study done?Investigators took blood samples for lab tests before the study and again after the subjects had been on intensive insulin therapy for two weeks. What did the researchers find?Two weeks of intensive insulin therapy improved the body's ability to handle glucose, and also reduced sd-LDL and other fats in the blood linked to cardiovascular disease. What were the limitations of the study?The study period was just two weeks. The long-term effects were not studied. Also, although levels of blood fats were lowered by the therapy, it isn't known whether this lowers the chances one will develop cardiovascular disease. What are the implications of the study?Intensive insulin therapy improves the body's ability to handle glucose and fats in the blood. Beginning intensive therapy early in the course of diabetes may reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and other complications. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of intensive insulin therapy. FOR MORE INFORMATIONTreating Type 2 Diabetes for Life: The Wide World of Insulin 101 Medication Tips for People With Diabetes |
Now Available! Late-breaking Diabetes research summaries Read the ADA's research magazine Forefront Wedding Diabetes Forecast - Free Issue! |
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