Researchers at the University of Sydney have unveiled new evidence indicating that type 2 diabetes directly alters the structure of the heart and its energy production. These effects were more pronounced in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, the leading cause of heart failure. Dr. Hunter stated: 'For a long time, we have observed a link between heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but this research is the first of its kind to study diabetes and ischemic heart conditions together, revealing unique molecular characteristics in individuals with both conditions. Our findings show that diabetes changes the way the heart produces energy, maintains its structure under stress, and contracts to pump blood.' Associate Professor Lal added: 'Our research connects heart disease and diabetes in ways not previously proven in humans, offering new insights into potential therapeutic strategies that may benefit millions of people in Australia and worldwide one day.' Their analysis revealed that diabetes stimulates specific molecular changes within heart cells and alters the physical composition of heart muscle. These findings explain why diabetic patients have a higher risk of heart failure. The study, published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, was led by Dr. Benjamin Hunter and Associate Professor Sean Lal from the Faculty of Medicine. The team examined human heart tissue donated by patients who underwent heart transplants in Sydney and compared it with tissue from healthy donors.
