Type 2 diabetes is a national epidemic. Diabetes has undesirable effects on blood vessels
which may contribute to heart disease. Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) are found in the
blood. Research has shown that improving the survival of these special blood cells may
decrease the harmful effects of diabetes on blood vessels and reduce or reverse heart
disease. Linagliptin is an Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription medicine
used along with insulin or with oral medications to lower blood sugar in people with Type 2
diabetes. It is in a class of diabetes medication called Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4)
inhibitors. DPP-4 inhibitors have been shown to increase EPCs in patients with Type 2
diabetes.
Hypothesis: Both type 2 diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are associated with poor
stem cell number and function. Poor viability and function of EPCs in CKD and diabetes The
investigators hypothesize that use of Linagliptin (along with Insulin) may help reduce
cardiovascular risk by improving EPC survival and function above and beyond adequate glucose
metabolism control