Novel link between excessive nutrient levels and insulin ...(to the plasma membrane and hooks up with...),Health

It uses a novel PIP3 binding domain to interact with the same lipid that just turned on the system, describes Xiaoyong. After OGT is recruited to the plasma membrane it starts turning off the system.

It accomplishes this task by tagging key members of the insulin signaling network with sugar molecules, specifically O-linked -N-acetylglucosamine or O-GlcNAc, which are produced by the hexosamine pathway.

Since the amount of O-GlcNAc is directly tied to availability of glucose, lipids and other nutrients in the bloodstream, the researchers believe that the hexosamine pathway acts as fuel gauge, protecting the bodys cells against the toxic effects of too much glucose and other high-energy molecules.

Excessive quantities of nutrients the result of a lifestyle where food is plentiful and exercise is optional drive O-GlcNAc levels up, which in turn dampen the insulin response, paving the way for a relentless progression of insulin resistance.

Though it may not be as simple as that, when Xiaoyong put OGT into overdrive in the livers of mice, the animals developed insulin resistance and abnormal blood lipid levels, emphasizing the importance of the hexosamine pathway for the development of insulin resistance, the first step towards full-blown type 2 diabetes.

Most people with insulin resistance go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, unless they lose 5 to 7 percent of their body weightapproximately 10 to 15 pounds for someone who weighs 200 poundsby making modest changes in their diet and level of physical activity. But making permanent lifestyle changes is difficult and studies predict that one in three Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their life time. A similar fate awaits most developed nations.

'/>"/>