Telomere Attrition in Controlled & Un-Controlled Type –2 Diabetes Mellitus- Review

Type -2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease characterized by dysfunction of various organs .Recent studies has shown a close relationship between DM and telomere attrition in leucocytes. In patients with DM or impaired glucose tolerance excessive oxidative stress induces damage to telomere and shortens their length .Furthermore, it is suggested that telomere length is a good surrogate marker for mortality and diabetic complications in DM patients. We recently found that telomere length in pancreatic beta –cells is also shortened in DM patients, potentially leading to an impaired capacity for proliferation and insulin secretion, and accelerated cell death. In contrast leukocyte telomere length has also been reported in patients with obesity or insulin resistance, both of which are frequently associated with type2.DM.It also shown that telomere attrition in adipose tissue induces insulin resistance. The available data suggest that hyperglycemia ,oxidative stress and telomere attrition in pancreatic beta cells and adipocytes create a vicious cycle that underlies the pathophysiology of type 2 DM. Inhibition of telomere attrition in various organs , including pancreatic beta cells ,could be a new approach for preventing the progression of DM and its complications. (Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16) (Suppl.1):66-74.