Inflammation plays a very crucial part in the healing process. It is, after all, our body’s first line of defense against any infection or tissue injury. Unfortunately, inflammation also plays a major role in the development and progression of diabetes. Instead of helping, inflammation, when it becomes chronic, turn into a detrimental process that worsens diabetes.
Obesity and Inflammation
Obesity and its accumulation of adipose or fat tissue are the culprit in chronic, internal inflammation in diabetes. Studies have revealed that fat cells secrete a certain type of proinflammatory cytokines called the tumor necrosis factor alpha. Now, the main function of this cytokine is to send signals to our immune cells to go to the site of the tissue injury. This then causes the buildup of immune cells and cellular debris, resulting in chronic inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation and Diabetes
Chronic internal inflammation impairs the function of the insulin to transport glucose into the cells and makes our cells less sensitive to insulin. This then leads to insulin resistance, which is a primary factor in the development of Type 2 diabetes.
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Unfortunately though, insulin resistance also causes inflammation because it activates a type of protein called FOXO1. The main function of this protein is to activate another type of proinflammatory cytokine called interleukin 1-beta. Not only does this cytokine impair insulin action, but it also sends signals for more immune cells.
A vicious cycle then results. Fat cells secrete a proinflammatory cytokine which contributes to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance activates another type of proinflammatory cytokine which also worsens internal inflammation and further impairs the action of insulin. Because cells are no longer sensitive to insulin, more glucose accumulates in the blood, resulting in the development of Type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Obesity and its effects on internal inflammation can lead to diabetes, so you need to control your weight and lose those excess fats to prevent diabetes.
[expand title=”References“]
The Journal of Clinical Investigation. URL Link. Accessed July 25, 2017.
Scientific American. URL Link. Accessed July 25, 2017.[/expand]
