Diabetes clue from body clock

Mon, 08 Dec 2008
According to recent research in the journal Nature Genetics, faults in a ‘clock gene’ could be linked to type 2 diabetes and blood sugar levels . The study links health with circadian rhythms, although more evidence may be required to establish a clear link.

The scientists claimed that abnormalities in circadian rhythm could be responsible for diabetes and high blood sugar levels, with the potential for new treatment options. Humans operate on 24-hour cycles, sleeping at night and becoming more active during the day due to releases of hormones .

Scientists at Imperial College London found one variation linked to a 20 per cent increase in type 2 diabetes . Professor Froguel reportedly commented: "For example, we know that obese children tend to sleep badly and that people become more obese if they are not having enough sleep. Our research demonstrates that abnormalities in the circadian rhythm may partly be causing diabetes and high blood sugar levels - we hope it will ultimately provide new options for treating people."

Link to this page

Copy and Paste the following HTML into your page.

Join us