About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Surprising Insights into Diabetes-Obesity Link in Grizzly Research

by Himabindu Venkatakrishnan on August 6, 2014 at 12:39 PM
Font : A-A+

 Surprising Insights into Diabetes-Obesity Link in Grizzly Research

A natural state of diabetes that serves a real biological purpose, has been discovered by researchers studying grizzly bears, and this state could be reversible. Investigators reporting in the August 5 issue of the Cell Press journal Cell Metabolism note that grizzly bears are obese but not diabetic in the fall, become diabetic only weeks later in hibernation, and then somehow become "cured" of diabetes when they wake up in the spring. The research reveals how natural biology, through evolutionary experimentation, can teach us new things about how animals naturally cope with conditions that would cause disease in humans.

In humans with type 2 diabetes, cells lose the ability to respond to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate the level of sugar in the body. When investigators looked at grizzly bears, they found that, unlike in humans, insulin levels in the animals' blood do not change. Instead, the cells that insulin communicates with turn on and off their ability to respond to insulin. The team also made the surprising discovery that when grizzlies are most obese, they are also the most insulin sensitive (or least diabetic), and they become this way by shutting down the activity of a protein called PTEN in fat cells.

Advertisement

Source: Eurekalert

Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest Diabetes News

How to Recognize the Signs of Unrecognized Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes?
In type 2 diabetes individuals, regular screening for two key cardiac biomarkers may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease events.
 FDA Approves “Bionic Pancreas” For Type 1 Diabetes Management
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clears the 'bionic pancreas' that improves the management of type 1 diabetes, without the need for constant blood sugar testing.
 1 In 5 “Healthy” People Actually Have Slightly Higher Blood Sugar Level
A new study investigated the use of a mathematical model of glucose metabolism to assess continuous glucose monitor data as a metric of dysfunctional glycemic control.
400 Medicinal Plants: Uncovering Their Anti-Diabetic Properties
At least 400 medicinal plants effective in decreasing sugar levels in the blood which is critical to control type 2 diabetes identified.
World's First Oral Insulin for Type-2 Diabetes
Considering the enormous type 2 diabetes patient population in China, a new oral insulin therapy will improve treatment.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Surprising Insights into Diabetes-Obesity Link in Grizzly Research Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests