Abstract: Method of identifying a subject as having an increased likelihood of progressing to end-organ damage due to diabetes comprising comparing the amount of a lncRNA in a sample from the subject with a reference value, and if the amount of the lncRNA in the sample is increased relative to the reference value, identifying the subject as having an increased probability of progressing to end-organ damage due to diabetes. The lncRNA is one or more of HOTAIR, H19, WISPER, ZFAS1, HULC, ANRIL, MALAT1, MIAT, and MEG3. Also methods of treating chronic diabetic complications and other conditions comprising administering a HOTAIR inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating a disorder associated with glucose mediated cell damage in a subject comprising administering to the subject an agent that modulates the expression of one or more miRNAs in a damaged cell or cells of the subject. The present invention also relates to compositions for treating a disorder associated with glucose mediated cell damage comprising an agent that modulates the expression of one or more miRNAs in a damaged cell or cells. The invention also relates to methods of diagnosing a disorder associated with glucose mediated cell damage in a subject, including diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy.