New diabetes hope from the bones

Bones could lead to major differences in the way the body regulates chemicals. An international research team uncovered the influence that the bones play. A molecule, osteocalci, which is produced by bone cells, was found to have a crucial influence on blood sugar levels in mice. The news could radically affect the future of both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. On account of the nature of the discovery, diabetes prevention could also be aided.
The influence of bones on the development of diabetes and obesity could be greater than previously thought. The findings, published in the journal Cell, offer considerable hope to diabetic patients throughout the world. However, before any conclusions are draw, experts urge that further study is needed.
The lead author of the Columbia University team, Gerard Karsenty, reportedly commented: “Osteocalcin has been known since 1977 to be made by osteoblast cells, but it had no known function.” The authors revealed that osteocalcin increased the secretion and sensitivity to insulin.