Bone metabolism and microcirculation in type 2 diabetes and Charcot
Research type
Research Study
Full title
BONE METABOLISM AND ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND CHARCOT FOOT – AN OBSERVATIONAL COMPARATIVE STUDY
IRAS ID
172462
Contact name
Edward Jude
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Diabetes mellitus affects several systems in our body particularly the eyes, nerves and kidneys. Diabetes affects the small blood vessels (microcirculation) that supply these vital structures. Normally, the inner lining of these blood vessels (endothelium) plays a very important role in normal blood flow. The endothelium releases a chemical substance called nitric oxide, which relaxes these blood vessels and prevents blockage thereby ensuring sufficient blood supply to these structures. Any form of metabolic stress like hyperglycaemia (raised blood sugar as seen in diabetes) can cause abnormal changes in the normal behaviour of the endothelium (endothelial dysfunction). Therefore hyperglycaemia promotes endothelial dysfunction by lowering nitric oxide levels, which may lead to diabetic complications like diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney damage) or neuropathy (nerve damage).
Additionally, patients with diabetes also suffer from osteoporosis (thinning of bones). Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterised by a reduction in bone mineral content leading to an increased risk of developing fractures. The increased risk of fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes is attributed to poor bone quality resulting from the harmful effects of high blood glucose. Studies have also shown that nitric oxide has a bone protective effect as demonstrated by its ability to prevent bone fragmentation and improve bone strength.
Study of markers of endothelial function and bone metabolism will facilitate a better understanding about the origin of diabetic complications. This will aid in the development of novel therapeutic agents that target the harmful triggers in diabetes and eventually may prevent and retard the onset of the debilitating diabetic complications.
Therefore, in this observational study we aim to demonstrate and compare the differences in bone metabolism and microcirculation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (with and without diabetic neuropathy and Charcot foot) with healthy subjects.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
15/NI/0043
Date of REC Opinion
23 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion