The regulation of blood sugar and fat metabolism is greatly influenced by insulin. According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, it was found that impaired insulin production, which occurs in the early stages of type 2 diabetes, might contribute to overweight and obesity.

Researchers studied the protease PC1/3, a vital enzyme in the body that converts numerous inactive hormone precursors into active forms. Severe endocrine problems may result in humans if this enzyme is not functioning adequately causing extreme overweight and an overwhelming sense of hunger. The scientists discovered that when PC1/3 was precisely turned off in the insulin-producing beta cells of the mouse pancreas, the animals ate much more calories and quickly developed diabetes and obesity. Also, a decrease in PC1/3 was observed in the pancreas of prediabetic patients. This suggests that improper insulin activation may lead to weight gain as well as be a result of it.

Furthermore, it was determined that PC1/3 is crucial for healthy peoples ability to regulate their weight. The researchers were able to demonstrate that the expression of the PC1/3 gene in the pancreas is negatively linked with average body weight, indicating that having enough PC1/3 encourages a healthy body weight.

The discovery that obesity is caused by a malfunction in the beta cells that produce insulin opens up new treatment avenues. Based on these findings, drugs useful in decreasing the production of immature insulin precursors could be developed which can act as a new treatment option for controlling weight gain and diabetes.

(Hindustan Times, Sep 04, 2022)

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/compromised-insulin-production-in-early-stages-of-type-2-diabetes-can-lead-to-obesity-study-101662280759417.html