Scientists have found a new way to combat type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered an unexpected mechanism that may help combat insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It turns out that a special population of "beneficial" immune cells in adipose tissue plays a key role. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications (NatCom).

Insulin resistance - a condition in which the body's cells respond less effectively to insulin - is considered the main precursor to type 2 diabetes. It has long been known that excess visceral fat (surrounding internal organs) causes chronic inflammation, which triggers this process. However, new data show that adipose tissue contains immune cells capable of suppressing inflammation instead.

"One-third of the population is overweight or obese. In the coming years, obesity will become the driver of chronic disease growth, including diabetes," noted the study leader, Professor of Cardiology Partha Dutta. "Our discovery could be the key to reversing insulin resistance and treating type 2 diabetes."

The focus is on so-called resident macrophages - immune cells that live permanently in the tissue. Unlike inflammatory macrophages, they remove dead cells, maintain tissue health, and suppress excessive inflammation.

The survival of these cells depends on the protein SerpinB2. When too much visceral fat accumulates, inflammation intensifies, and SerpinB2 levels drop sharply. As a result, resident macrophages die, inflammation increases, adipose tissue expands, and insulin sensitivity worsens - diabetes develops.

In preclinical experiments on mice with obesity and insulin resistance, scientists administered antioxidant supplements. This allowed them to increase the level of resident macrophages and improve insulin sensitivity.

The team is now working on creating a small molecule capable of increasing SerpinB2 levels in humans. It is anticipated that such a drug would protect "beneficial" immune cells, reduce inflammation, and prevent the progression of diabetes.