GENETIC AND BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES AND DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS

Over 29 million Americans (9.3%) are affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D is characterized by the body not producing enough insulin and not responding to the insulin that it does produce resulting in high blood glucose. Common complications associated with T2D include cardiovascular disease (CVD), nephropathy or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and cognitive decline. CVD is the most common complication with up to 65% of individuals with T2D dying due to CVD. Individuals with T2D are 2 – 4 times more likely to die due to CVD causes than those without T2D. Several explanations as to why individuals with T2D have an increased risk for CVD have been proposed. These include: high glucose independent of other risk factors, the atherogenic profile of diabetes (i.e. dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, etc.) often termed the “common soil” hypothesis, or that it is common genetic risk factors that contribute to both T2D and CVD. However, none of these adequately explain the increased risk. This thesis attempts to explain the genetic causes of T2D and complications including CVD in individuals with T2D. It also explores a possible biochemical link between T2D and CVD.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Adams, Jeremy Nathaniel

• Advanced Glycation End Products

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/57138

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/57138