Biomechanisms of Type 2 Diabetes
ABC News reports on an advance in understanding of type 2, age-related diabetes: "The team has identified an enzyme in diabetics as the active agent that blocks the production of insulin, which is a hormone that helps the pancreas convert blood-sugar into energy. Current treatments try to control insulin levels but do not address the reasons why insulin production is failing. ... the next step will be to work with pharmaceutical companies to develop a drug to block the enzyme, known as PKCepsilon, allowing cells in the pancreas to function normally. ... What we've identified is a target that we can now latch onto to get therapy, but the journey from target to tablet of course is a long one ... It's probably going to take another 10 years at least to get something that's effective in humans. ... In their study, the researchers used genetically modified mice to observe the link between an oversupply of fat and type 2 diabetes. They found mice without the enzyme did not develop diabetes, despite gaining weight on a high-fat diet." It's worth remembering that diabetes is a lifestyle condition and very avoidable for most of us. It's just not smart to expect or rely on future medical science to rescue us from the consequences of health negligence - the cavalry only arrives on time in the movies, while the world helps those who help themselves.
Link: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/10/04/2050657.htm