Researchers discover fat molecule that could prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes

A team of researchers in Japan are looking at ways to slow down the development of new cases of type 2 diabetes after discovering a fat molecule that could prevent obesity.

Okayama University researchers have found that a sticky molecule that attaches itself to the surface of fat cells and helps prevent obesity, which is often link to the development of type 2 diabetes.

The findings of the study were recently published in the the journal Diabetes, showed that the molecule, ACAM (adipocyte adhesion molecule), found on the surface of fat cells (or adipocytes), could protect the body by limiting the cells from expanding.

A close up of the fat molecule that could help prevent people from putting on weight

Jun Wada and co-workers at Okayama University, Japan, said: “Our finding provides new therapeutic modalities targeting the processes of cell adhesion and actin polymerization of adipocytes in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.”

As part of the study, mice placed on a high fat, high sugar diet appeared to be completely protected from obesity and diabetes, when they had higher levels of the ACAM molecule.

The researchers hope further research could lead to new treatments to combat type 2 diabetes.

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