It is not a secret that obesity can be accompanied by some illnesses, one of which is diabetes. Although it has been known that there is a link between elevated lipids in blood and Type 2 diabetes, not until recently could scientists explain this relationship.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient amount of insulin, or the body’s cells can’t use the insulin. Canadian researchers have discovered that high levels of fats in blood reduce a specific protein located in beta-cells in the pancreas. This protein plays a crucial role in the process of producing insulin. Because of this reduction, non functional insulin is produced and eventually beta-cells are going to die. This discovery may lead to a revolution in the field of diabetes therapy. In other words, treating obesity may solve the diabetes problem.

This solution seems theoretical for some people since it is not always easy to treat obesity itself. However, the story of an obese diabetic patient is very encouraging. This retired teacher has had diabetes for 10 years, and to her consternation, she was on her way to become insulin dependent until she decided to undergo a Lap-band surgery, which is simply an inflatable device fixed around the top of the stomach so that food will pass slowly to the lower part of the stomach, which is responsible for sending messages to the brain that the stomach is full. The patient was satisfied with the results: not only has she lost 65 pounds of her weight, but also she is not worried any more about diabetes side effects. Besides, she stipulated that her health has improved a lot after the surgery.