Breakthrough in fight against diabetes.Summary: A gene that controls the way the body responds to insulin insulin, hormone secreted by the β cells of the islets of Langerhans, specific groups of cells in the pancreas. Insufficiency of insulin in the body results in diabetes. Insulin was one of the first products to be manufactured using genetic engineering. signals a major breakthrough in research into diabetes. A gene that controls the way the body responds to the hormone insulin has been identified, marking a breakthrough in the fight against diabetes. Scientists believe a variation in the gene's DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. promotes insulin resistance Insulin Resistance Definition Insulin resistance is not a disease as such but rather a state or condition in which a person's body tissues have a lowered level of response to insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that helps to regulate the level , the primary cause of type 2 diabetes type 2 diabetes n. See diabetes mellitus. , which affects two million people in the UK. The discovery could lead to new drug treatments that target the genetic fault and prevent the body failing to respond to insulin. The hormone controls the way cells absorb glucose from the blood and use it to generate energy. In type 2 diabetes, insulin often continues to be produced by the pancreas pancreas (păn`krēəs), glandular organ that secretes digestive enzymes and hormones. In humans, the pancreas is a yellowish organ about 7 in. (17.8 cm) long and 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) wide. but it cannot be used properly. The new genetic link, the first known to involve insulin resistance, was found after scientists screened the DNA of more than 14,000 people. Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved. Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company |
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