Sunday, December 13, 2009

Research suggests gene action through nutrition could cure diabetes


According to a study by Texas AgriLife Research, understanding the action of the PFKFB3 gene could prevent and possibly cure diabetes. Changes in nutrition, or supplements in the diet that activate the PFKFB3 gene could also control metabolic inflammation could reverse diabetes.

Study author Chaodong Wu, MD says "Because we understand the mechanism, or how the gene works, we believe a focus on nutrition will find the way to both prevent and reverse diabetes. First we will need to identify what effective compounds will trigger the gene to regulate metabolism, then we need to determine what combinations within foods are more effective."

Dr. Wu and colleagues identified the PFKFB3 gene as a regulator of metabolism. Diabetess leads to metabolic dysfunction because the body is unable to use glucose for energy. Inability of the body to metabolize food leads to high blood sugar levels. Activating the gene through nutrition could reverse that type of inflammation that causes diabetes.

According to Dr. Wu, being overweight does not necessarily cause diabetes. The researcher says "metabolic inflammation", that differs from classic inflammation from virus or bacteria, is the cause of diabetes. He believes that a nutritional plan could be developed to prevent or cure diabetes.

The study suggest that changing our diet could lead to a gene action that controls metabolic inflammation and might even sure diabetes. For now Dr. Wu suggests focusing on a healthier diet that includes fish and other seafood. Omega 3 fatty acids found in seafood also control inflammation. ◦
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