Persons with type 1 diabetes are at a much greater risk for heart disease compared to the general population. Among individuals with diabetes, those with a specific variation in a genetic marker called Haptoglobin (approximately 43% of persons with type 1 diabetes) are at even greater risk compared to those not carrying this genetic variation. A genetic marker or a "gene" is information inherited from parents (a blueprint) about the structure and functions of cells in the body that make up the color of our hair and eyes and may influence the way our bodies respond to certain stimuli such as an illness, or infection.
In this project we are seeking to understand what some of the mechanisms may be that put persons with type 1 diabetes and this variation in the Haptoglobin gene at greater risk for heart disease. Specifically, we will assess whether this gene variant affects the function of the good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) and its subfractions (via NMR spectroscopy), which is thought to help against heart disease development. We also seek to evaluate whether vitamin E supplements may improve this function. If results indicate that vitamin E is beneficial and improves the function of HDL cholesterol, the next question to be answered would be whether vitamin E would also help reduce the risk of heart disease itself in these persons. To answer the latter, a large clinical trial would have to take place. In this research project we will therefore also evaluate whether such a trial would be feasible and whether individuals with type 1 diabetes would be interested in participating in a long, 4-5 year, clinical trial.
