New drug could prevent diabetes complications not fixed with blood sugar control, study hints - Live Science

A new study has revealed that an experimental drug compound could provide a promising treatment for diabetes-related complications, working effectively regardless of blood sugar management. Diabetes care typically focuses on controlling blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, weight management, and insulin, but these measures do not fully eliminate the risk of complications. Dr. Ann Marie Schmidt and her research team have developed a drug targeting the RAGE protein, which interacts with DIAPH1. This interaction is implicated in harmful inflammation and vascular complications associated with diabetes. Initial tests in lab mice and human cells demonstrated the drug's potential to reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions. Although further research with lab animals is needed before human trials, the findings suggest that early use of the drug, ideally alongside tight blood sugar control, could mitigate the long-term risks of diabetes complications. Additionally, the RAGE-DIAPH1 interaction may have relevance in other inflammatory diseases, indicating broader potential applications for the compound.