Protein ‘links obesity with Type 2 diabetes’

A LINK between type 2 diabetes and obesity has been discovered, research shows.

The study by King’s College London has found a mechanism in the immune system that causes the relationship. It has been identified as a protein called T-bet.

The research, which made use of mice, was completed by Dr Jane Howard and Professor Graham Lord. When the protein was removed from the rodents, the link between obesity and the diabetes reduced significantly.

“Our data suggests that obesity can be uncoupled from insulin resistance, through the absence of T-bet,” said Dr Howard. “The idea that the immune system can impact on metabolism is very exciting.”