Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered that silencing a specific group of brain cells—called AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus—can reverse type 2 diabetes in mice without causing any weight loss or changes in appetite.
These neurons are known to influence hunger, but scientists found they also directly affect blood sugar regulation.
In the study, scientists used a genetic technique to block the activity of these neurons, which led to normal blood glucose levels for several months.
Importantly, this improvement happened independently of weight, challenging the traditional belief that weight loss is essential for managing or reversing type 2 diabetes.
The findings suggest that the brain plays a more central role in blood sugar regulation than previously thought.
Although the research is still in preclinical stages and was conducted on animals, it paves the way for new therapies that target brain circuits to treat diabetes—potentially helping patients who struggle with weight loss.
Further studies are needed before human treatments become available, but this breakthrough could change how we approach diabetes care in the future.
These neurons are known to influence hunger, but scientists found they also directly affect blood sugar regulation.
In the study, scientists used a genetic technique to block the activity of these neurons, which led to normal blood glucose levels for several months.
Importantly, this improvement happened independently of weight, challenging the traditional belief that weight loss is essential for managing or reversing type 2 diabetes.
The findings suggest that the brain plays a more central role in blood sugar regulation than previously thought.
Although the research is still in preclinical stages and was conducted on animals, it paves the way for new therapies that target brain circuits to treat diabetes—potentially helping patients who struggle with weight loss.
Further studies are needed before human treatments become available, but this breakthrough could change how we approach diabetes care in the future.
Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered that silencing a specific group of brain cells—called AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus—can reverse type 2 diabetes in mice without causing any weight loss or changes in appetite.
These neurons are known to influence hunger, but scientists found they also directly affect blood sugar regulation.
In the study, scientists used a genetic technique to block the activity of these neurons, which led to normal blood glucose levels for several months.
Importantly, this improvement happened independently of weight, challenging the traditional belief that weight loss is essential for managing or reversing type 2 diabetes.
The findings suggest that the brain plays a more central role in blood sugar regulation than previously thought.
Although the research is still in preclinical stages and was conducted on animals, it paves the way for new therapies that target brain circuits to treat diabetes—potentially helping patients who struggle with weight loss.
Further studies are needed before human treatments become available, but this breakthrough could change how we approach diabetes care in the future.
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