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Type 2 Diabetes: Advances and Challenges

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology & Metabolism".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (22 January 2025) | Viewed by 4396

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Community Medicine and Medical Science, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
Interests: atherosclerosis; hypertension; diabetes; endocrinology and metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

More than 100 years have passed since the discovery of insulin, and diabetes medicine and diabetes treatment have made significant progress. However, the ultimate goal of curing diabetes has not yet been achieved. Therefore, it is important to widely share the latest knowledge, technology, and recent clinical and research advances in type 2 diabetes.

In recent years, significant progress has been made in distributing treatment guidelines and developing new drugs, including oral and injectable medicines and glucose monitoring devices, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as the understanding of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology and complications has expanded.

In this Special Issue, we are seeking original clinical studies and reviews of the most recent research on type 2 diabetes under the title ‘Type 2 Diabetes: Advances and Challenges’.

We look forward to receiving your submissions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Ken-ichi Aihara
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • type 2 diabetes
  • clinical research
  • innovative treatment
  • biomarker
  • diabetic complications
  • glucose monitoring

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

23 pages, 1953 KiB  
Article
Genetic Polymorphism of Zinc Transporter-8 Gene (SLC30A8), Serum Zinc Concentrations, and Proteome Profiles Related to Type 2 Diabetes in Elderly
by Jintana Sirivarasai, Pimvaree Tristitworn, Prapimporn Chattranukulchai Shantavasinkul, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Sirintorn Chansirikarnjana, Sirasa Ruangritchankul, Suwannee Chanprasertyothin, Piangporn Charernwat, Pachara Panpunuan, Thanyachai Sura and Piyamitr Sritara
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030790 - 25 Jan 2025
Viewed by 838
Abstract
Background and Aims: Older adults are particularly susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to factors such as age-related insulin resistance, decreased physical activity, and deficiency of micronutrients, especially zinc. Studies have suggested that the risk allele of the zinc transporter [...] Read more.
Background and Aims: Older adults are particularly susceptible to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to factors such as age-related insulin resistance, decreased physical activity, and deficiency of micronutrients, especially zinc. Studies have suggested that the risk allele of the zinc transporter 8 gene (SLC30A8) single-nucleotide poly-morphism (SNP) rs13266634 may contribute to T2DM susceptibility in addition to the complex protein interactions and alterations in the protein expressions and modifications associated with T2DM. This study was implemented to study the associations between SLC30A8 polymorphism, serum zinc levels, and the profiles of proteins differentially expressed in nondiabetic (n = 116) and prediabetic/diabetic (n = 149) subjects. Methods: SNP genotyping using TaqMan® assay and proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS were performed in each group. Results: The results showed a higher risk of diabetes in individuals with the risk genotype CC accompanied by a low serum zinc level than in those with other genotypes. Profiles of proteins differentially expressed between the groups were identified and shown to be particularly associated with zinc-related functions, zinc transporter 8, and glucose metabolism. Proteins exclusively expressed in prediabetes/diabetes were assigned to a Reactome pathway related to zinc transporter and insulin processing. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that individuals carrying at least one copy of SLC30A8 rs13266634 accompanied by a low serum zinc level might be susceptible to T2DM, which could be due to alterations in insulin signaling and zinc metabolism. Understanding this relationship deepens our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying T2DM risk, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention and prevention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Type 2 Diabetes: Advances and Challenges)
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12 pages, 1313 KiB  
Article
Age and HbA1c in Diabetes: A Negative Association Modified by Red Cell Characteristics
by Oyuntugs Byambasukh, Munkhuchral Nordog, Bao Suya, Narkhajid Galsanjigmed, Altangadas Dashnyam, Altaisaikhan Khasag, Odgerel Tsogbadrakh and Otgonbat Altangerel
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(23), 7487; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13237487 - 9 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1332
Abstract
Background: While a positive correlation between age and HbA1c has been suggested in non-diabetic individuals, warranting higher HbA1c reference ranges for older adults, evidence among individuals with diabetes is less clear and may reveal an inverse trend. This study aimed to examine [...] Read more.
Background: While a positive correlation between age and HbA1c has been suggested in non-diabetic individuals, warranting higher HbA1c reference ranges for older adults, evidence among individuals with diabetes is less clear and may reveal an inverse trend. This study aimed to examine the relationship between age and HbA1c in a diabetic population, considering red cell parameters and other confounding factors; Methods: This cross-sectional study included 268 diabetic participants from Mongolia-Japan University Hospital (mean age 57.0 ± 9.9 years, 38.8% male, median diabetes duration 8.0 years, mean HbA1c 9.2 ± 3.3%). We analyzed the association between age and HbA1c using linear regression models, adjusting for diabetic characteristics, chronic complications, inflammation markers, and red cell indices. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on red cell distribution width (RDW) median splits; Results: A significant negative association between age and HbA1c was observed, with an unstandardized B coefficient (95% CI) of −0.112 (−0.166; −0.058, p < 0.001). This association persisted after adjustment for diabetic characteristics, complications, inflammation markers, and red cell indices (−0.115, −0.179; −0.051, p = 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated a stronger negative association in participants with lower RDW levels (−0.174, −0.269; −0.079, p < 0.001) compared to those with higher RDW (−0.080, −0.147; −0.014, p = 0.019), suggesting that red cell characteristics may modify this relationship. No significant interactions were identified except for RDW; Conclusions: Our findings reveal a distinct negative association between age and HbA1c in diabetic individuals, independent of diabetic characteristics, complications, and inflammation markers. This association is particularly pronounced in individuals with lower RDW levels, highlighting the potential role of red cell morphology in influencing HbA1c levels with aging in diabetes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Type 2 Diabetes: Advances and Challenges)
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Review

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12 pages, 420 KiB  
Review
SGLT2 Inhibitors and the Risk of Urogenital Infections: A Concise Review
by Luminita-Georgeta Confederat, Oana-Maria Dragostin and Mihaela-Iustina Condurache
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(6), 1960; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14061960 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 627
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus has become a major public health problem due to aspects such as an alarming increase in prevalence, the morbidity and mortality associated with its complications and, not least, the economic burden. SGLT2 inhibitors are a relatively new but valuable class of [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus has become a major public health problem due to aspects such as an alarming increase in prevalence, the morbidity and mortality associated with its complications and, not least, the economic burden. SGLT2 inhibitors are a relatively new but valuable class of drugs that demonstrated multifaceted effects in addition to hypoglycemic action. Moreover, these drugs demonstrated cardiovascular and renal benefits, even in individuals without diabetes, being recommended by current guidelines to patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, or at high risk for it, as well as to patients with chronic kidney disease. The prescription of this class of drugs is limited by the risk of urogenital infections, despite their multiple demonstrated benefits. Data regarding the prevalence of SGLT2 inhibitors associated with urogenital infections depend on several factors related to the study carried out and to other additional conditions that could precipitate such infections. While SGLT2 inhibitors have a well-established association with the risk of genital infections, the association with urinary tract infections remains controversial and uncertain. This review will be focused on urogenital infections associated with the administration of SGLT2 inhibitors, highlighting their prevalence, risk factors, mechanisms involved, clinical relevance and particularities of management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Type 2 Diabetes: Advances and Challenges)
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Other

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20 pages, 5879 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evaluating the Role of Vitamin D in Prediabetes Management, Insights from RCTs in the MENA Region: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
by Mohammed A. M. Y. Al-Hetar, Noradliyanti Rusli, Mohd Amir Kamaruzzaman, Husni Al-Goshae, Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, Shamsul Azhar Shah, Abdullah Mohammed Al-Matary, Qais Mohammed Al-Hetar, Dhya’a Alhaq Mohammed Senan and Norasyikin A. Wahab
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(4), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14041239 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The association between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes has been extensively investigated, yet the findings remain inconsistent, with limited data available on the MENA region. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The association between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes has been extensively investigated, yet the findings remain inconsistent, with limited data available on the MENA region. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing specifically on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across four databases, which were Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, and PubMed. RCTs studies conducted on people with prediabetes aged 15 years and older who live in the MENA region, and receiving vitamin D supplementation were included in the study. Results: From 2194 studies identified from the literature search, only 51 studies were considered eligible for full-text review. Ultimately, seven articles were finalized for inclusion. The findings from these studies showed mixed results, where some studies indicated that vitamin D supplementation had no significant effect on these outcomes. The remaining reported improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduced risk of progression to type 2 diabetes with vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: This systematic review examines the complex and contradictory relationship between vitamin D deficiency and prediabetes in the MENA region. Due to the mixed pattern seen in the intervention of vitamin D to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential confounding factors specifically in population of the MENA region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Type 2 Diabetes: Advances and Challenges)
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