Untargeted Approach to Investigating the Metabolomics Profile of Type 2 Diabetes Emiratis

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is expected to be the seventh most significant cause of death worldwide by 2030. Although research into its mechanism has received the attention it deserves, our understanding of T2D is still limited. This case-control study employs untargeted metabolomics to explore novel T2D plasma biomarkers in the Emirati population. Ninety-two UAE nationals were included in the cohort, with fifty T2D and forty-two non-T2D profiles. Participants were then stratified into three groups based on metabolic profiles, clinically verified diabetic status, and current HbA1c values: namely controlled diabetics, uncontrolled diabetics and prediabetics, and non-diabetics. The study identified fifteen significant differentially abundant metabolites between the uncontrolled diabetics group and the prediabetics or controlled diabetics group. Interestingly, some metabolites essential for the corticosteroid and thyroid signaling pathways were found to be significantly elevated in poorly controlled T2D, including cortisol, glycocholic acid, bile acids, thyroxine, and the tryptophan metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. These findings align with those from prior western cohorts and suggest an intriguing linkage between T2D glycemic control and thyroid and adrenal signaling that may provide new diagnostic and prognostic indicators. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This study investigates the underlooked metabolomic role and correlation with T2D in the UAE population. The report indicates fifteen significant differentially abundant metabolites between on diabetics, uncontrolled diabetics and or controlled diabetics or prediabetics. This panel of metabolites such as thyroxine and corticosteroids should be considered further as potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for T2D in the region.