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Development and Validation of a Methodology for Establishing Obese Rat Models with Typical Fatty Pancreas
Published on: November 11, 2025
Progression of β-cell dysfunction in obese youth
Cosimo Giannini1, Sonia Caprio
1Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208064, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Current Diabetes Reports
|November 27, 2012
Summary
Childhood obesity is driving a rise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth. Understanding early glucose disruption and beta-cell dysfunction is key to preventing T2D progression and its complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity is increasing globally, leading to a rise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) among youth.
- The earlier onset of T2D in adolescents has significant public health implications due to longer disease duration and accelerated complication progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of early glucose tolerance disruption in obese youth.
- To identify critical intervention points for preventing T2D in adolescents.
- To examine the role of beta-cell dysfunction and ectopic fat in T2D development.
Main Methods:
- Review of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies on insulin sensitivity and secretion in obese adolescents.
- Analysis of data across the spectrum of glucose tolerance.
- Discussion of ectopic fat accumulation's association with beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance.
Main Results:
- Beta-cell dysfunction is a primary defect in T2D progression among obese youth.
- Changes in insulin sensitivity and secretion are observed across glucose tolerance levels in obese adolescents.
- Ectopic fat accumulation is linked to both insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Understanding early pathophysiology is crucial for preventing T2D in obese youth.
- Beta-cell dysfunction and ectopic fat accumulation are key targets for intervention.
- Early identification and management can mitigate the long-term burden of T2D in young adults.
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