MiRNAs and diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes is a chronic disease that manifests when insulin production by the pancreas is insufficient or when the body cannot effectively utilize the secreted insulin. The onset of diabetes often goes undetected until the later stages where subsequent glucose accumulation in the system (hyperglycemia) is observed. Over time, it leads to serious multi-organ damage, especially to the nerves and blood vessels. The WHO reports that approximately 346 million people worldwide are diagnosed with diabetes. With no cure available, long-term medical care for diabetes has become a global economic challenge globally. Hence, there is a need to explore novel early biomarkers and therapeutics for diabetes. One such potential molecule is the miRNAs. miRNAs are endogenous, noncoding RNAs that predominantly inhibit gene expression. Compelling evidence showed that altered miRNA expressions are linked to pathological conditions, including diabetes manifestation. This review focuses on the implications of miRNAs in diabetes and their related complications. © 2012 Expert Reviews Ltd.