Laboratory tests by Northwestern University researchers indicate that there is a greater risk of developing diabetes if the genes that control the body's circadian rhythms are disrupted.

Defective copies of the genes, called CLOCK and BMAL1, develop abnormalities in pancreatic cells that may lead to an insufficient release of insulin in the body. The circadian rhythms related to the genes are cyclical patterns in biological activities such as sleeping, body temperature and hormone production.

"These results indicate that disruption of the daily clock may contribute to diabetes by impairing the pancreas' ability to deliver insulin," said Dr. Joseph Takahashi, chairman of neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern. "This finding indicates that disruption of clock genes only in the pancreas, and not the rest of the body clock, can produce early signs of diabetes."

Takahashi worked on the research team from Northwestern University that led the study prior to joining UT Southwestern.
A clinical trial under way in the North Shore-LIJ Health System focuses on diabetes patients who also live with coronary artery disease and require a procedure to restore blood flow to the heart. The trial is comparing two diabetes treatments – heart bypass surgery and the use of coronary stents – to learn which is more effective.