Link between Diabetes and Obesity

I found a very interesting article about possibly discovering a link between obesity and type II diabetes. A novel protein called pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) which is released from fat cells is said to trigger the events that can lead to type II diabetes. A professor from the university states, "When PEDF is released into the bloodstream, it causes the muscles and liver to become desensitised to insulin"(Monash University). Their research shows that increasing PEDF in the blood causes diabetic reactions, but blocking PEDF reverses these actions to the point that the body starts to become responsive to insulin. Further research is still needed about this protein to eventually lead to a major breakthrough drug that can combat diabetes; but I thought this article was really cool and you all should check it out.

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090708090917.htm