Visceral Adipose Tissue: The Hidden Culprit for Type 2 Diabetes
Sneha Dhokte1, Krzysztof Czaja1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Nutrients
|April 13, 2024
Summary
Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) significantly drives type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, independent of overall obesity. Lifestyle changes can reduce VAT, offering a preventable pathway for managing T2D development.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders
- Endocrinology
- Diabetes research
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder marked by insulin resistance.
- Obesity is conventionally linked to T2D, but visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is now recognized as a primary determinant.
- VAT's high metabolic activity releases free fatty acids (FFAs), promoting insulin resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical role of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis.
- To identify key demographic factors influencing VAT accumulation.
- To emphasize the potential for lifestyle interventions in preventing T2D.
Main Methods:
- Review of current research on VAT, insulin resistance, and T2D.
- Analysis of factors contributing to preferential VAT deposition.
- Exploration of the impact of diet and lifestyle on VAT accumulation.
Main Results:
- Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a more significant driver of insulin resistance and T2D risk than overall body mass.
- Older males with Asian ancestry are particularly susceptible to VAT accumulation due to genetic and hormonal factors.
- Dietary and lifestyle modifications can effectively reduce VAT and mitigate T2D risk.
Conclusions:
- Reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation is a key strategy for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- T2D development, driven by VAT expansion, is potentially preventable through targeted interventions.
- Understanding the factors influencing VAT is crucial for effective T2D prevention strategies.
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