Diabetes is estimated to affect 24 million Americans to
date. The disease has increased in prevalence by approximately 50% over the last
decade and is expected to double in the next 40 years. Not only is diabetes the
sixth leading cause of death among Americans, complications related to the
disease include the leading cause of kidney failure, 60% of non traumatic limb
amputation and 24,000 new cases of blindness annually. Furthermore, the 2007
expenditures for Diabetes diagnostics and management were estimated to be $174
billion, the majority of which was applied to managing complications of the
disease. The occurrence of complications is primarily attributed to the untimely
detection and modification of elevated insulin levels.
Researchers at Arizona State University’s Biodesign
Institute have developed a single assay that can identify multiple, novel
genotypic and phenotypic biomarkers alluding to the predisposition for diabetes,
as well as, successful monitoring of the disease and its response to treatment.
The assay can identify genetically modified, post translational modified and
metabolically altered biomarkers. The assay allows for the detection of
biomarkers found in human plasma and urine. In practice, the assay can be
conducted in approximately 15 minutes at a point of care facility, using a
finger prick of blood plasma (50 µL). Thus, allowing for optimal turn around
time for results, immediate modification of patient’s treatment regimen and
enabling an overall quality of life improvement.
Potential Applications
- Healthcare Industry
- Medical Diagnostics
- Disease Management
Benefits and Advantages
- Consolidated assay capable of detecting multiple modified
biomarkers for various diseases
- Indicative of diabetic predisposition and disease
management
- Minimal blood plasma necessary to conduct fast assay
- Optimal for use in point of care facility allowing for
timely adjustment to treatment regimen minimizing diabetes associated
complications
Download Original PDF
For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr. Nelson's laboratory webpage
Dr. Borges's research webpage
