How Belly Fat Causes Type 2 Diabetes ?

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A new study has shed light on why abdominal fat is associated with type 2 diabetes risk, by finding that belly fat may affect liver function, thereby causing insulin resistance - a strong risk factor for the disease.

The team at the University of Southern California (USC) found that the release of lipids from abdominal fat, which drains directly to the liver, increases overnight, providing additional insight as to how abdominal fat is associated with type 2 diabetes risk.

"It has been shown that people who store body fat in their abdomens are at greater risk to develop diabetes and other chronic illnesses, but why this happens has remained unclear," says Lisa Nicole Harrison, B.S., Master's candidate, at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and lead author on the study.

"Our study found lipid release from abdominal fat was substantially elevated during the night, which may be a primary mechanism leading to insulin resistance, a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes."

The observed lipids drain directly to the liver, a key center of glucose and insulin metabolism, where they may accumulate as triglyceride and cause dysregulation of these important metabolic processes, Harrison says.

The results highlight the importance of abdominal obesity in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes.

"Further studies in this area should look at the cause of overnight elevation of abdominal fat release as well as clarifying the role this plays in the development of obesity and insulin resistance," suggests Harrison.

The results of the study were presented at an oral session Monday, June 9 at the American Diabetes Association 68th Scientific Sessions held in San Francisco.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.