By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
Blood proteins that signal early artery damage may also warn of type 2 diabetes. Researchers evaluated blood from 32,826 women and found evidence of artery damage 8 years prior to the diagnosis of diabetes. Researchers in the Nurses Health Study found elevations in E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1, suggesting damaged or irritated walls of blood vessels. Ten years later, 737 women developed type 2 diabetes. Cells that line the vessel lining cells produce the other 2 proteins in response to inflammation, thus strengthening the link between diabetes and silent inflammation.
