Adipocyte Size and Type 2 Diabetes in Obesity - A Study of Patients undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Project Summary:

Type 2 diabetes is a common problem in those who are overweight. Obesity is also associated with certain liver diseases, and with early cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease and strokes. Interestingly, not all those who are obese develop these problems. There is a group of obese patients who appear to be relatively protected from Type 2 diabetes and other harmful consequences of obesity.

Why some obese individuals are apparently protected is not understood. It has recently been proposed that certain properties of body fat may be responsible for determining whether an obese person stays well, or develop Type 2 diabetes and other harmful complications. Individuals with highly functioning fat cells may be able to store excess energy intake without developing a high blood sugar or high cholesterol, with the fat acting as an effective, protective sponge. 

This project will study patients having bariatric surgery (weight-reducing surgery that works by reducing the size of the stomach and by-passing part of the intestines) for severe obesity. Approximately 20% of these patients have Type 2 diabetes while 20% have healthy glucose and cholesterol levels. 

The project will examine how their fat cells function and how their liver store fat. The project will compare the group with Type 2 diabetes and the relatively healthy obese group. The project may ultimately lead identifying how and what fat cells need to do to protect from the harmful effects of obesity. This might lead to new treatments which could improve fat function and so help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.