In this study, we show that changes in myocyte size are evident by 8 weeks of diabetes in this model, in terms of cardiomyocyte width and area, coinciding with an increase in gene expression of the pro-hypertrophic marker Nppa. Surprisingly, this was preceded by an early increase in gene expression of the pro-hypertrophic marker β-mhc, from 2 weeks of diabetes. The gene discussed is NPPA; the disease is diabetes mellitus.