Ask the Doctor: 25 per cent of patients with chronic heart failure also have Type 2 diabetes

Diabetic cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, which is a progressive condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood around the body. People with Type 2 diabetes are 2.5 times more likely to develop congestive heart failure than those without the condition. Also, 25 per cent of patients with chronic heart failure also have Type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular outcomes and hospitalisation are worse for patients with diabetes relative to those without. This, therefore, raises the possibility that poor management of diabetes can lead to several health complications.

Wolcott Rallison Syndrome (WRS) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 kinase 3 (EIF2AK3), also known as PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). PERK is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein, which plays a key role in translation control during the unfolded protein response. Early diagnosis is essential for Wolcott Rallison Syndrome to ensure rapid intervention for episodes of hepatic failure, which is the most life-threatening complication. WRS should be differentiated from other forms of early-onset insulin-dependent diabetes based on clinical presentation and genetic testing.