According to a new study, elevated levels of the protein galectin-1 is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes about 18 years later. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg and Lund University found that elevated levels of the protein galectin-1 are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes about 18 years later. The researchers pointed to both negative and positive links between the protein galectin-1 and type 2 diabetes. In a general population, galectin-1 may be associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but in patients with a subtype of diabetes that increases the risk of kidney damage, galectin-1 appeared to be beneficial, as patients with high galectin-1 levels in their blood suffer less kidney damage. One of the most serious complications is chronic kidney disease, which about half of those who have type 2 diabetes develop.

Source: Hindustan Times November 09, 2021 22:46 UTC