Molecular Fingerprint for Insulin Sensitivity Could Diagnose Diabetes Before Disease Develops

Insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, is a defining feature of type 2 diabetes, a disease known for its varied pathophysiology. Gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind insulin resistance and how it correlates with individual traits is vital for the advancement of precision medicine in type 2 diabetes. Now, a breakthrough in this area offers promising potential for more effective treatments and the possibility of earlier detection of type 2 diabetes.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen (Copenhagen, Denmark) have uncovered significant findings regarding how the body processes insulin. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for type 2 diabetes and the potential for diagnosing the condition earlier, possibly even before it manifests. In a recent publication in the journal Cell, the researchers revealed that every individual exhibits unique levels of insulin resistance at the molecular level. This ‘molecular fingerprint’ of insulin sensitivity challenges the traditional view that people are simply categorized as either healthy or suffering from type 2 diabetes.

The breakthrough was achieved using advanced proteomics, a protein analysis technique, to investigate the impact of insulin on muscle tissue. By examining muscle biopsies from over 120 individuals, the team mapped molecular alterations in response to insulin. Their findings indicated that certain proteins undergo consistent changes as insulin resistance progresses. These molecular signatures could enable earlier identification of individuals at risk, potentially even before the onset of clinical symptoms. Additionally, the researchers were able to use these molecular profiles to accurately predict how well the body responds to insulin.

“We found huge variation in insulin sensitivity, even among people considered healthy and among those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. There are even some individuals living with type 2 diabetes who respond better to insulin than healthy individuals. Our study highlights the need to move beyond separating people into two boxes and recognize individual variation,” said Associate Professor Atul Deshmukh, one of the senior authors of the research. “We show which proteins are altered as insulin resistance progresses, and that knowledge could lay the groundwork for more targeted treatments, potentially even before type 2 diabetes develops.”