Researchers find diabetes trigger, possible fix

[truthpusher]

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/health_science/articles/2005/01/31/researchers_find_diabetes_trigger_possible_fix?mode=PF

Researchers find diabetes trigger, possible fix
By Raja Mishra, Globe Staff | January 31, 2005

Researchers in Boston have pinpointed a primary trigger for the most common form of diabetes and have uncovered evidence that simple, inexpensive aspirin-like drugs could keep the disease that affects millions in check.

The researchers, from Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, discovered a genetic ''master switch" in the liver that is turned on when people become obese. Obesity has long been linked to diabetes, but the reason, until now, has been unknown. Joslin researchers found that once on, this switch produces low-level inflammation, which disrupts the body's ability to process insulin, causing type 2 diabetes.

But the researchers took the finding one step further. Reasoning that aspirin-like drugs are used to quell inflammation, they successfully used the drugs, called salicylates, to eliminate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in mice. Human tests are already underway in Boston, though no results have been published.

''These drugs, among the safest drugs known, can do a surprisingly good job of toning down this inflammation," said Joslin researcher Dr. Steven E. Shoelson, lead author of the paper. ''These are hopeful ideas for the future."

more:

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/health_science/articles/2005/01/31/researchers_find_diabetes_trigger_possible_fix?mode=PF

[Warpy]

1. The more they look into aspirin

The more they find out what it can do. It really is an amazing medication, and should be in everybody's medicine chest, replaced once a year so it's fresh.

Oh, don't worry though. They'll come up with some mild variation of aspirin that they can patent, just for Type II diabetics.

[Sinistrous]

2. There is already a children's aspirin that

some adults already take for some ailments -- some form of heart disease, I believe.

[eShirl]

3. if it didn't interfere with the blood's ability to clot (like aspirin does

then it would be worth it to me.

[NYC]

5. Aspirin is truly the miracle drug.

It has so many benefits.

[truthisfreedom]

4. that's great. i had a good friend who died of type 2. i wish he would have

taken aspirin.

[Vidar]

6. Excellent news--affects me personally. Thanks very much for posting.

[truthpusher]

7. Let's hope they're onto something....

...my wife's side has been devistated, I know about half-dozen on dialysis -it sucks big-time for them.