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.