In a new development, researchers from Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen in Denmark have claimed that they have found a potential connection between elevated urinary protein levels and hardening of arteries, also called sub-clinical artery issues, in people with type 2 diabetes, even if they remain asymptomatic.

The findings of the study are set to be presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s ASN Kidney Week 2023, taking place in Philadelphia from November 1 to November 5, 2023.

The researchers pointed out that recent advancements in non-invasive imaging techniques have given healthcare professionals the ability to examine the structure and function of coronary arteries with greater precision.

Employing PET and CT scans, researchers discovered a potential connection between elevated urinary albumin levels and subclinical coronary artery issues in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

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The study, involving 30 people with type 2 diabetes and normal urinary albumin levels and 60 people with elevated levels, a condition known as albuminuria, which points towards kidney damage, revealed that those with albuminuria exhibited higher microcalcification, or tiny deposits of calcium salts that are too small to be felt but can be detected by imaging, activity.

However, the researchers admitted that this association diminished when adjusted for clinical risk factors related to cardiovascular disease.

The study found that more urinary albumin was linked to more microcalcifications in the arteries, even after considering other factors.

It was further found that in people with high albumin levels, the ability of their hearts to increase blood flow during activity was lower, although this difference did not matter when considering other factors.

The levels of coronary inflammation and the calcium score in the arteries were similar in both groups, the researchers noted.

Commenting on these findings, corresponding author Tine Hansen, PhD, of Steno Diabetes Centre Copenhagen in Denmark, while emphasising the potential for improved understanding of cardiovascular pathology, said, “Enhancing the understanding of cardiovascular pathology may in the future help clinicians identify subpopulations of patients at high risk and provide individualised prevention of cardiovascular complications.”