The regulation of blood glucose levels is a complex system, controlled primarily by the endocrine hormones insulin and glucagon. These hormones, and related peptides, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), perform different yet intertwined roles in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Higher Prevalence of Elevated Albumin Excretion in Youth With Type 2 Than Type 1 Diabetes: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study
Maahs DM, Snively BM, Bell RA, et al. Diabetes Care. 2007 Jul 13; [Epub ahead of print]

Glomerular Filtration Rate Changes in Normoalbuminuric and Microalbuminuric Type 2 Diabetic Patients and Normal Individuals. A 10-year Follow-up
Marussi M, Gross JL, Silveiro SP. J Diabetes Complications. 2006;20:210-215.

The 30-Year Natural History of Type 1 Diabetes Complications: The Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study Experience
Pambianco G, Costacou T, Ellis D, Becker D, Klein R, Orchard T. Diabetes. 2006;55:1463-1469.

On the common underlying pathophysiology of microvascular complications
Rayaz A Malik, MB ChB, PhD, MRCP