Metabolomic and Genomic Profiling in Diabetic Medicine
Metabolomic and Genomic Profiling in Diabetic Medicine
Translating research findings to useful and reliable clinical tests has been challenging; however, the discovery of ideal biomarkers for diabetes is improving along with the development of biomarker panels and new methodologies. In the future, diagnostic tests may be used to select individuals who are likely to benefit from treatment or those who demonstrate an objective indication of treatment efficacy. Emergence of diabetes-associated genetic variants represents a powerful tool for improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes. However, translation of these novel findings to genetic screening and personalized medicine is still at an early stage. Characterization of functional variants and an understanding of the mechanisms by which these loci confer susceptibility to disease are needed. With discovery of genes linked to fasting glucose, it may be possible to identify other loci associated with additional features of the type 2 diabetes phenotype such as impaired glucose tolerance, defective first-phase insulin release, and insulin resistance. Combination of genetic and biomarkers screens may provide further opportunities. The challenges in harnessing the potential of new biomarkers should be alleviated by new and exciting collaborations between pharmaceutical agencies, diagnostic companies, and academic institutions, with the harnessing of skills from the different clinical, biomedical, diagnostic, and pharmacological areas.
Future Developments in the Search for Improved Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes
Translating research findings to useful and reliable clinical tests has been challenging; however, the discovery of ideal biomarkers for diabetes is improving along with the development of biomarker panels and new methodologies. In the future, diagnostic tests may be used to select individuals who are likely to benefit from treatment or those who demonstrate an objective indication of treatment efficacy. Emergence of diabetes-associated genetic variants represents a powerful tool for improving our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes. However, translation of these novel findings to genetic screening and personalized medicine is still at an early stage. Characterization of functional variants and an understanding of the mechanisms by which these loci confer susceptibility to disease are needed. With discovery of genes linked to fasting glucose, it may be possible to identify other loci associated with additional features of the type 2 diabetes phenotype such as impaired glucose tolerance, defective first-phase insulin release, and insulin resistance. Combination of genetic and biomarkers screens may provide further opportunities. The challenges in harnessing the potential of new biomarkers should be alleviated by new and exciting collaborations between pharmaceutical agencies, diagnostic companies, and academic institutions, with the harnessing of skills from the different clinical, biomedical, diagnostic, and pharmacological areas.
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