The cycle of fat storage and mobilization allows cells to adapt to excess sugar.
Type 2 diabetes, which affects nearly 10% of the world's population, is a major public health problem. But the results of the latest study show that fat does not necessarily exacerbate the disease and may even play a protective role. Type 2, altering the functioning of pancreatic cells and reducing the efficiency of blood sugar regulation. However, fat, often cited as the perfect culprit, can be rehabilitated.
Type 2 diabetes occurs due to dysfunction of the beta cells in the pancreas, which are responsible for the secretion of insulin. This disrupts the regulation of blood sugar levels and can lead to serious complications from the heart, eyes, and kidneys. More recently, excess sugar has also been blamed for damaging beta cells and developing type 2 diabetes. While sugar's fault is no longer in doubt, the role of fat in beta-cell dysfunction remains controversial.
By studying the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) in Switzerland have shown that these cells suffer less from excess sugar if they were previously exposed to fat.
By studying the cellular mechanisms, scientists have discovered how the cycle of fat storage and mobilization allows cells to adapt to excess sugar.
When fat helps beta cells
To distinguish between the effects of fat and sugar, the scientists exposed the beta cells to excess sugar, fat, and then a combination of the two. This was the first time that scientists confirmed the toxicity of sugar: beta cells exposed to high sugar levels produced much less insulin than usual.
When cells are exposed to too much sugar and too much fat, they accumulate fat in the form of drops in anticipation of less & # 171; good & # 187; times. Surprisingly, we have shown that this fat storage does not worsen the situation, but allows insulin secretion to be restored to almost normal levels,
— explained the author of the work Lucy Oberhauser.
Results:
- According to the results of the study , thanks to the released fat molecules, the beta cells adapt to the excess sugar and maintain an almost normal insulin secretion. In this case, the body uses it as a source of energy.
- To avoid the development of diabetes, it is important to give this beneficial cycle the opportunity to be active, for example, by maintaining regular physical activity.
Now scientists are trying to determine the mechanism by which the released fat stimulates the secretion of insulin.