Step toward diabetes prevention

Researchers have identified mechanisms that may contribute to the fight against diabetes mellitus type 2. They conduct research on beta-cells from the pancreatic islets of the pancreas that are responsible for the production and secretion of insulin. Diabetes mellitus occurs when the beta cells fail to pancreatic islets. This oxidative stress, for which the beta cells are particularly sensitive plays an important role. As a result of excessive nutrient intake leads to an excess of insulin secretion and insulin resistance in the main target tissues of insulin, ie, liver, muscle and fat tissue. Insulin resistance and other nutrient intakes, forcing the beta cells that process more and more nutrients, and secrete more insulin - through the nutrient metabolism of oxidative stress arises, for example by endogenous hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. As a result of this overload either the insulin secretion of beta-cells diminishes or it comes to the death by programmed cell death, or apoptosis. When insulin resistance, not by the activity of beta-cells can be compensated, there is the disease of diabetes mellitus type 2. Beta-cells regulate antioxidant enzymes Researchers led by Professor Gisela Drews have developed in the in vitro experiments on beta-cells from mice, a method to protect these cells from oxidative stress and thus reduce their injury. The pharmacists have discovered how the beta cells through certain agents that can upregulate attack on certain ion channels, anti-oxidative enzymes and thus counteract the congestion. The so-treated cells are largely protected as compared to a control against the influence of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide. The protection consists of both in terms of insulin secretion as well as apoptosis. The identified active substances are used today to treat diabetes mellitus type 2. The findings of the Tübingen scientists now suggests that the active ingredients can also be used for the prevention of the disease. Before the results can lead the work on mouse cells to a therapeutic application, however, still require years of research. About eight percent of the population are currently suffering from diabetes mellitus type 2, can bring complications like heart attacks, strokes or kidney failure with it. In addition to genetic predisposition for the development of this form, a überkalorische diabetes diet, usually associated with physical inactivity is responsible. At increasingly younger ages of overweight and obesity occur, so that the average age is 55 years, declined in the last decade to now under 30 years.