Saturated Fat May Lead To Diabetes
posted 01/27/03

Colorado State University biochemists have identified a saturated fat byproduct as a potential contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes. The discovery could lead to novel treatments for diabetes, a disease that affects some 16 million Americans. Research results, reported in the online edition of the Journal of Biological Chemistry, show a saturated fat metabolite called ceramide contributes to the development of insulin resistance in cultured cell experiments. The lab studies also indicate excess accumulation of ceramide in the body is needed to connect saturated fats to insulin resistance. "Our research team is making great progress -- we have determined that ceramide is undeniably an important factor in the development of insulin resistance in muscle tissue," said Scott Summers, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and principal study investigator. "These findings suggest that medication aimed to prevent ceramide accumulation in body tissue might lessen or even prevent insulin resistance and lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes."

Source: United Press International.

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