The findings were published July 8 in the journal Cell Metabolism.
The team, led by Associate Professor Matthew Watt, discovered that fat cells release a novel protein called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor), which triggers a chain of events and interactions that lead to development of Type 2 diabetes.
"When PEDF is released into the bloodstream, it causes the muscle and liver to become desensitised to insulin. The pancreas then produces more insulin to counteract these negative effects, " Associate Professor Watt said.
This insulin release causes the pancreas to become overworked, eventually slowing or stopping insulin release from the pancreas, leading to Type 2 diabetes."
"It appears that the more fat tissue a person has the less sensitive they become to insulin. Therefore a greater amount of insulin is required to maintain the body's regulation of blood-glucose," Associate Professor Watt said.
"Our research was able to show that increasing PEDF not only causes Type 2 diabetes like complications but that blocking PEDF reverses these effects. The body again returned to being insulin-sensitive and therefore did not need excess insulin to remain regulated."
Associate Professor Watt said identifying the link is a significant breakthrough in explaining the reasons why obesity triggers the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.
"Until now scientists knew there was a very clear pattern and had strong suspicions that a link existed between the two conditions, but our understanding of the chain of events that are caused by the release of PEDF shows a causal link," Associate Professor Watt said.
"Type 2 diabetes patients will benefit knowing the two conditions are linked. We already know that weight-loss generally improves the management of blood glucose levels in diabetes patients. Researchers can now move forward knowing this link exists and we can begin to design new drugs to improve the treatment of Type 2 diabetes," Associate Professor Watt said.
Diabetes: Reduce the risks with Diet, Exercise and Weight loss
|
|
You can do a lot to lower your chances of getting diabetes.
Exercising regularly, reducing fat and calorie intake, and losing a little weight can help you
reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Lowering blood pressure
and cholesterol levels also helps you stay healthy.
If you are overweight
If you are fairly inactive
If your blood pressure is too high
If your cholesterol or triglyceride levels are too high
|
Diabetes: Making Changes to Lower My Risk
Making big changes in your life is hard, especially if you are faced with more than one change. You can make it easier by taking these steps:
- Make a plan to change behavior.
- Decide exactly what you will do and when you will do it.
- Plan what you need to get ready.
- Think about what might prevent you from reaching your goals.
- Find family and friends who will support and encourage you.
- Decide how you will reward yourself when you do what you have planned.
Your doctor, a dietitian, or a counselor can help you make a plan. Consider making changes to lower your risk of diabetes.
Diabetes: Reach and Maintain a Reasonable Body Weight
Your weight affects your health in many ways.
Being overweight
can keep your body from making and using insulin properly.
Excess body weight can also cause high blood pressure.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body weight relative to height.
You can use BMI to see whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Use a Body Mass Index Table to find your BMI.
If you are overweight or obese, choose sensible ways to get in shape.
- Avoid crash diets. Instead, eat less of the foods you usually have. Limit the amount of fat you eat.
- Increase your physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week
- Set a reasonable weight-loss goal, such as losing 1 pound a week. Aim for a long-term goal of losing 5 to 7 percent of your total body weight.
This valuable information gets to you thanks to theNational Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
1 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3560
Email: ndic@info.niddk.nih.gov
| | Links | Disclaimer | Privacy | Site Map |