Doctors Finally Understand Why Obesity Causes Diabetes

Although it has long been known there is a connection between obesity and Type II diabetes, doctors did not understand the mechanisms. At Monash University, a research team led by Associate Professor Matthew Watt, has finally found the answer. Apparently, fat cells release a protien called PEDF (pigment epithelium-derived factor). When this protien is released in the bloodstream, it causes the muscles and liver to become desensitized to insulin. Consequently, the pancrease has to produce more insulin to lower the blood glucose levels and becomes overworked. The more fat a person becomes, the less sensitive to insulin they become. However, the research also showed when PEDF was blocked, individuals becams senstive to the insulin again.

New Pill May Cure Type I Diabetes

A new cure for Type I diabetes may only be three years away. A new pill called FTS may be able to cure Type I diabetics. Dr. Adi Mor of Tel Aviv University adapted the pill called FTS from a drug that is in the final stages of human trials to treat pancreatic cancer. In pancreatic cancer, the pill stops the cancer cells from dividing and spreading. However, in diabetes, the pill blocks killer T cells in the immune system. These T cells destroy the islets in the pancreas that release insulin. Amazingly, when experiments with drug were done on animals, it prevented diabetes in 80% of the rats given the treatment. Since they have alreay proven the drug is safe in the pancreatic trials, doctors expect to go straight to stage two trials in young adults with Type I diabetics.

Stem Cells Improve Insulin-dependent Type II Diabetes

Although many Type II diabetics can control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise, unfortunatly, some are insulin-dependent. However, new research may help Type II insulin-dependent diabetics.

On November 14, 2009, doctors made a breakthrough at the Post-Graduate Instiute of Medical Education (PGIMER). Removing stems cells from the bone marrow of Type II insulin-dependent diabetics, the cells were implanted in the pancreas. According to the Endocrinology department head, Anil Bhansali, seven out of ten patients showed good results.

Does Insulin Cause Weight Gain

Even if their blood sugars are uncontrolled, many Type II diabetics resist taking insulin because of their fear of weight gain. However, experts at Southwestern Medical Center claim this is unfounded.

In a three year study, three groups of patients ranging between 21 and 70 years old were evaluated for compliance, satisfaction, effectiveness, and quality of life. There were two groups: the standard triple oral therapy and insulin plus metformin. For the first three months, both groups took insulin plus metformin. After three months, the patients were randomized. Patients were checked monthly for the first four months, six months after randomization, and then every three months for three years.

Out of 58 patients, 24 were in the insulin treated group while 21 were in the standard triple oral therapy group. Researchers found the insulin treated group had fewer low blood sugar levels, gained less weight, and reported high satisfaction with the insulin.