Obese Men More Likely To Develop Type 2 Diabetes Than Women

Researchers at McMaster University have found evidence that obese men are more likely than obese women to develop type 2 diabetes. For the first time, researchers have discovered evidence that the difference is related to the activity of a muscle protein that differentiates aspects between men and women.

"In our study, women's muscle appeared more efficient in neutralizing this protein, and this allows insulin to work better to move sugar from circulation to muscle," said lead study author Dr. M. Constantine Samaan, assistant professor of pediatrics at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine and pediatric endocrinologist at the McMaster Children's Hospital, said in a news release.

Findings revealed that the activity of a protein that's known as PTEN reacts differently between both men and women. PTEN prevents insulin from signaling properly in the muscle and in turn, reduces the proper amount of sugar when muscles are working, increasing the risk of type II diabetes.

Researchers found that the activity of a protein called PTEN reacts differently between men and women. They explained that active PTEN prevents insulin from signaling properly in muscle. This in turn reduces the amount of sugar a muscle uses, which increases the risk of developing type two diabetes.

"This protein is one explanation of why women are relatively protected from type two diabetes, despite having more body fat content compared to men at a given weight," Samaan concluded.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Scientific Report.