Physicians have long known that fatty foods can lead to the development of diabetes. However, in exactly the way it happens, until recently it remained a mystery. In a recent study, a team of scientists led by Dr. Jamie Martha of the Sanford-Bernham Medical Research Institute identified the mechanism behind the link between food and diabetes, reports The Daily Mail.

As it turned out, fatty foods affect the genetic switch, which can provoke the development of diabetes. The study of this biological pathway will help specialists develop new ways of treating the disease. To analyze this relationship, scientists used mice and humans. They found out: a high level of fat destroyed two key proteins, including and switching genes.

These are the transcription factors FOXA2 and HNF1A. They activate the enzyme of the pancreas, which normally prevents the development of diabetes. When proteins stop working, then the enzyme stops working.

And this, in turn, violates the ability of beta cells that release insulin, monitor blood sugar. Without this mechanism it is unrealistic to regulate sugar.

To cope with the deviation, scientists suggest using gene therapy that affects beta cells, or with drugs that directly affect the very relationship. The approach was promising in the experiment with mice. So, the preservation of enzyme functions, which was influenced by FOXA2 and HNF1A, blocked the onset of diabetes even in obese animals.

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