Insulin restriction and associated morbidity and mortality in women with type 1 diabetes

Impaired tubular uptake explains albuminuria in early diabetic nephropathy

Understanding the pathogenesis of albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy is important to improve methods for early diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we addressed whether albuminuria in diabetes results from altered glomerular filtration and/or altered processing of filtered albumin by the proximal tubule. Type 1 diabetic Munich Wistar rats developed albuminuria after 12 wk of diabetes. Intravital two-photon microscopy revealed similar glomerular permeability in the diabetic and control animals, assessed using both albumin-Alexa568 and 69-kD FITC-dextran; however, diabetic animals demonstrated significantly less filtered fluorescent albumin in renal proximal tubule (PT) cells compared with control animals. We also observed increased albumin-derived urinary peptide excretion in diabetic animals, and hyperglycemia modulated this peptideuria. In conclusion, in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, the PT plays a major role in the development of albuminuria, which may be preceded by peptideuria.

Diabetes and eating disorders

The problem of insulin restriction is an important women's health issue in type 1 diabetes. This behavior is associated with increased rates of diabetes complications and decreased quality of life. Clinical and technological research is greatly needed to improve treatment tools and strategies for this problem. In this commentary, the author describes the scope of the problem of eating disorders and diabetes, as well as offers ideas about ways technology may be applied to help solve this complex problem.