The Connection Between Obesity and Type II Diabetes

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The Connection Between Obesity and Type II Diabetes

Although the causes of diabetes are not exactly known, researchers

claim that both genetics and environment play a significant role. The

National Diabetes Education Program figures indicate that being older

than 45 and being overweight places individuals at a greater risk for

Type Two Diabetes.

Recent studies also show substantial evidence regarding the

relationship between Type Two Diabetes and obesity. Researchers at

the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine currently reported

the discovery of a new hormone, now given the name of “Resistin,” as a

molecular basis for exploring this connection.

In a series of experiments with mice, scientists of the department of

endocrinology at the University of Pennsylvania discovered this new

hormone produced by fat cells. Presumably naming this hormone

Resistin for “Resistance to Insulin”, Dr. Claire Steppan and other

researchers indicated that the amount of Resistin in the bloodstream

rose drastically in mice with both diet-induced and genetic forms of

obesity. After a dosage of Rosiglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, the

levels of Resistin present in the mice did indeed decrease.

The scientists also directed an “Anti-Resistin antibody” to obese

mice. An improvement of blood sugar and insulin action were hence

resulted in the mice. Another experiment was conducted with

standard-weight mice and the treatment with Resistin interfered with

glucose tolerance and insulin action.

Experts say that if humans and mice are found to react correspondingly

to levels of Resistin, these findings may later on provide the basis

for new medications. However, there is caution as the case study is

still preliminary. More research is needed to explain the function of

Resistin.

Statistics reveal that from 1990 to 1998 there was a 33 percent

increase in the overall incidence of Type Two Diabetes in the United

States. There was a 70 percent increase in those aged 30 to 39, a 40

percent increase in those aged 40 to 49, and another 31 percent

increase in those aged 50 to 59.

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