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Published on: May 6, 2013
Infections: A Possible Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes
Surajit Chakraborty1, Rajasri Bhattacharyya2, Dibyajyoti Banerjee1
1Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
Infections may play a significant role in type 2 diabetes development. Pathogen products and inflammatory responses from infections can lead to insulin resistance, suggesting infections as a potential risk factor.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is a global health challenge, with genetics and obesity not fully explaining its high incidence.
- Emerging evidence suggests infections may trigger insulin resistance through various biological pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of infections as a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes.
- To highlight the need to consider infections alongside traditional risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent data on infection-induced insulin resistance mechanisms.
- Analysis of pathogen products' effects on metabolic health.
Main Results:
- Infections can induce insulin resistance via proinflammatory cytokine responses, acute-phase reactions, and altered nutrient status.
- Specific pathogen components like lipopolysaccharide and peptidoglycans demonstrate diabetogenic potential.
Conclusions:
- Infections should be recognized as potential risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
- Further research into the link between infections and diabetes is warranted.
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