A gene commonly studied by cancer researchers has been linked to the metabolic inflammation that leads to diabetes.  Science Daily reports on a new study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry that say scientists may now be closer to finding ways to prevent or cure type 2 diabetes.
The gene studied is known in the science world as PFKFB3. Dr. Chaodong Wu and team of researchers identified it as a regulator for metabolism, which plays a vital role in the development of diabetes.

Wu noted that while obesity is a major health concern in the U.S., it does not necessarily cause diabetes to develop. The cause of the disease is “metabolic inflammation”. The researchers began looking at PFKFB3 because it regulates metabolism, hoping to understand how the inflammation begins. Metabolic inflammation is different from classic inflammation because there is no infection, virus or bacteria present, though the symptoms appear similar.

Dr. Wu believes nutritionists working with the biological chemists can help develop food consumption plans that either prevent people from developing metabolic inflammation or cause existing conditions to retreat.

Dr. Chaodong Wu authored the paper with the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Yuqing Hou.