Biomarkers may improve diabetes treatment

PHOENIX, June 18 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists say they've identified five genetic biomarkers that might lead to improved diabetes treatments, with fewer side effects.

Researchers from the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix and the University of Southern California said they identified genetic variants that might predict how well someone will respond to the common anti-diabetes drug Actos.

"The implications of these findings include determining which patients will best respond to the drug for the prevention or treatment of diabetes," said Johanna DiStefano, director of the institute's diabetes, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases division. "In addition, this work lays the foundation for personalized medicine for patients with this disease."

The scientists investigated why as many as 40 percent of diabetes patients treated with thiazolidinediones such as Actos fail to respond to the drug with the expected improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Although the exact mechanism by which thiazolidinediones act is not yet known, the scientists said data indicate they improve insulin sensitivity by direct and indirect effects on adipose tissue and muscle.

DiStefano and her team identified five critical markers that not only predict response to thiazolidinedione therapy, but also improvement in insulin sensitivity.

The research findings were presented earlier this month in New Orleans during the 69th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association.