Surrey researchers hold hope for diabetes sufferers
Thursday 15 January 2009
A research team from the University of Surrey led by Dr Jonathan Johnston and Ms Daniella Otway is conducting a study which will investigate the effects of Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance on daily biological rhythms in fat tissue and blood. The study hopes to open an exciting new area of research that will help scientists understand the biological cause of Type 2 diabetes and assist in the development of more effective treatment for this condition.
The human body clock regulates most bodily functions, including hormone secretion and the metabolism of sugar and fat. Past studies have revealed that many biological processes associated with fat tissue have daily rhythms, including the production of ‘fat hormones’ that control blood glucose levels. Fat tissue rhythms are blunted in animals with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that reduced rhythmicity may be an important factor for this condition.
This project, funded by Diabetes UK, will test the hypothesis that people with Type 2 diabetes exhibit attenuated rhythms both in fat tissue and in blood. Support of this hypothesis would open an exciting new avenue of research in the biology and treatment of diabetes.
The research team is currently recruiting lean healthy, overweight or Type 2 diabetic males aged 40-60 year-old. The two-night trial will consist of multiple blood samples taken to measure hormones as well as four fat tissue biopsies. To take part in this study please contact Daniella Otway, Tel: 01483 689705 or E-mail: d.otway@surrey.ac.uk
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk
