Brain Insulin Plays Crucial Role in the Development of Diabetes
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a unique function of brain insulin, suggesting that impaired brain insulin action may be the cause of the unrestrained lipolysis that initiates the development of and worsens type 2 diabetes.
Lab Study
A research team led by Christoph Buettner, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, injected a tiny amount of insulin into the brains of rats and then assessed the blood glucose and lipid metabolism in the rats bodies.
Lab Results
The research team found that brain insulin suppressed the lipolysis, a process during which triglycerides in fat are broken down and fatty acids are released. “Researchers previously believed that insulin's ability to suppress lipolysis was entirely mediated through insulin receptors expressed on adipocytes, or fat tissue cells.”
Conclusion
"When brain insulin function is impaired, the release of fatty acids is increased. This induces inflammation, which can further worsen insulin resistance, the core defect in type 2 diabetes.” Stated Dr. Buettner
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