Mitochondrial diabetology

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with both impaired insulin release from pancreatic β-cells and with impaired insulin action in insulin-sensitive tissues. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in both processes and in the development of diabetic complications. Impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics and deficiency of coenzyme Q₁₀, an essential part of the respiratory chain, contribute to increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Diabetic brain and heart mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and coenzyme Q₁₀ concentrations correlate with each other and are also subject to circadian variations. Changed mitochondrial biological rhythms found in an experimental diabetic model may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of acute myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death in diabetic patients.