Scientists Discover Natural Molecule that Mimics Exercise to Combat Type 2 Diabetes

There could be a new way to combat diabetes. Researchers have discovered a natural molecule that could be used to treat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

The molecule itself is a derivative of omega-3 fatty acids, and mimics some of the effects of physical exercise on blood glucose regulation. In fact, scientists have known for some time that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce insulin resistance caused by a diet high in saturated fat. That's why researchers decided to investigate a bit further.

In previous studies, researchers linked the effects of omega-3 to a bioactive lipid called protectin D1. Another member of the same family, named protectin DX (PDX) triggers the production and release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in muscle cells.

"Once in the bloodstream, IL-6 controls glucose levels in two ways: it signals to the liver to reduce glucose production and acts directly on the muscles to increase glucose uptake," said Andrew Marette, one of the researchers in a news release.

In this case, the researchers found that PDX had very little effect on the control of blood glucose on mice without the IL-6 gene. In contrast, PDX dramatically improved response to insulin on obese, diabetic rats.

"The mechanism of action described for PDX represents a new therapeutic strategy for improving glucose control," said Marette in a news release. "Its efficacy may be comparable with that of certain drugs currently prescribed to control glycemia."

That said, PDX isn't a substitute for physical activity, even though it seems to mimic the effect of physical exercise by triggering IL-6 secretion in the muscles.

"Exercise has cardiovascular and other hormonal benefits that go well beyond its metabolic effects on the muscles," said Marette. "For us, the next step is to demonstrate the antidiabetic effects in humans and determine the receptor through which PDX acts."

The findings are published in the journal Nature Medicine.