Interplay between monocytes/macrophages and cardiomyocytes in diet-induced diabetes

Insulin controls blood sugar and is required for the entry of sugar (glucose) into blood cells from blood. Excess body fat in obesity or high fat diet makes body resistant to insulin. Due to this insulin resistance, sugar accumulates in the blood and over time this leads to an increase in blood sugar and development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Normally insulin resistance precedes the development of T2D by 10-20 years. Because insulin resistance is associated with cardiovascular problems, people with T2D are at a high risk for heart disease. To date, the molecular mechanisms that directly affect the heart in the context of insulin resistance are poorly understood and remain unknown.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Amira Klip

Student:

Girish Kewalramani

Partner:

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of Toronto

Program: