Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
14 February 2017 08:05
There are 3.8 million people in the UK with diabetes
A new "age defying" hormone could offer a breakthrough in preventing kidney and heart disease in people who suffer from diabetes.
A reduction in the levels of the hormone Klotho allows scientists to identify early signs of kidney disease in diabetic patients, according to new research conducted at King's College, London.
Lead researcher Dr Giuseppe Maltese, said: "For the first time, Klotho has been linked to kidney disease in Type 1 diabetes patients and this finding represents an exciting step towards developing new markers for disease and potentially new treatments."
A breakthrough study
Klotho protects arteries from ageing-related changes, such as the thickening of blood vessel walls - a condition that is linked to heart disease.
The urine samples of 78 people with Type 1 diabetes were analysed as part of the study.
Among these samples were 33 patients who were starting to show signs of diabetic kidney disease.
Scientists found those patients who did not suffer from kidney disease had healthy levels of circulating Klotho - the same as a typical healthy adult.
Meanwhile, patients with lower levels of the hormone were those suffering from microalbuminuria, or diabetic kidney disease.
According to figures from Public Health England, there are around 3.8 million people in the UK with diabetes, which is roughly 9% of the population.
Anyone suffering from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes can take out medical travel insurance to cover the pre-existing condition.
Co-author Dr Richard Siow, co-ordinator of ageing research at King's College, said: "Our research will help scientists to better understand the mechanisms by which this hormone benefits healthy ageing, as well as how deficits in Klotho lead to age-related diseases."
The researchers now plan to extend the study to other "high risk" groups, including those who are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
17 May 2019
What makes the Monaco Grand Prix so special? From a royal guestlist to a challenging circuit, we take a look at why the Monte Carlo Formula 1 race is so prestigious...
[more...]
15 May 2019
Get inspired for a summer of music, travel and adventure with our guide to some of the best music festivals around Europe.
07 May 2019
Thinking of visiting Spain? There are some excellent reasons to explore the country this spring and summer, from football finals to eating snails - so don't miss out!
Want to learn a new language without the hassle of going to classes? Check out our guide to the best free apps on the market and get yourself holiday-ready in no time.
03 May 2019
Why are there two bank holidays in May? Why do we celebrate May Day? These questions and more are answered in our look at the origins of the May bank holidays...
30 April 2019
Experience the magic of Matera! The 2019 European Capital of Culture, Southern Italy's famous ancient city of caves is the perfect place for a weekend away.
Get inspired for a last-minute getaway this bank holiday weekend! We explore five alternative European city break destinations perfect for a weekend away.
18 April 2019
How much do you know about Spain? Read up on some fascinating facts about Spain and learn more about magical mice, liquid gold and big pay-outs.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.