Researchers have discovered that the key to healing diabetes lies in mitochondria, which generate energy for the cell. Type 2 diabetes is one of the disorders linked to mitochondrial abnormalities. Individuals with this condition are unable to use the insulin their pancreas produces to maintain normal blood sugar levels or create enough of it themselves.
Reversing Damage to the Mitochondria Could Help Treat Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is one of the disorders linked to mitochondrial abnormalities.
Diabetes patients’ insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells contain aberrant mitochondria that prevent them from creating energy, according to multiple studies.
The production of energy that powers cells and facilitates their operation depends on mitochondria.
The scientists replicated its mouse studies in fat-storing and liver cells and discovered that the same stress response was triggered in a recent study that was published in the journal Science. Both cell types failed to develop and perform as intended.
“We wanted to determine which pathways are important for maintaining proper mitochondrial function,” explained Emily M. Walker, Ph.D, a research assistant professor of internal medicine and first author of the study.
This observation raised the prospect that the cells would behave normally if the harm could be undone.
They accomplished this by blocking the stress response with a medication known as ISRIB. After four weeks, they discovered that the mice’s b-cells could once again regulate their blood sugar levels.
