Study explores role of brain in treating type 1 diabetes
Researchers had, over a decade ago, found that an acute complication of type 1 diabetes - diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - can be resolved with the hormone leptin, even in the absence of insulin.
In the analysis, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the team explained how leptin affects the brain and how it might be used in future therapeutics.
DKA happens when the body is unable to make insulin and begins to break down fat for fuel. This can lead to a life-threatening buildup of sugar (glucose) and ketoacids in the blood.
Doctors have typically administered insulin to address the complication. But evidence now shows that, when insulin is insufficient, the brain plays a key role in driving DKA, explained researchers from the University of Washington in the US
When the pancreas can't make insulin, 'the brain gets the message that the body is out of fuel, even if it's not. This information is being communicated in part by a low blood level of the hormone leptin,' said Dr. Michael Schwartz, Professor of Medicine, at the University's School of Medicine.
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5 days ago
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Study explores role of brain in treating type 1 diabetes
The brain might become the target of new type 1 diabetes treatments and pave a better way for insulin management, according to a study. Researchers had, over a decade ago, found that an acute complication of type 1 diabetes - diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) - can be resolved with the hormone leptin, even in the absence of insulin. In the analysis, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, the team explained how leptin affects the brain and how it might be used in future therapeutics. DKA happens when the body is unable to make insulin and begins to break down fat for fuel. This can lead to a life-threatening buildup of sugar (glucose) and ketoacids in the blood. Doctors have typically administered insulin to address the complication. But evidence now shows that, when insulin is insufficient, the brain plays a key role in driving DKA, explained researchers from the University of Washington in the US When the pancreas can't make insulin, 'the brain gets the message that the body is out of fuel, even if it's not. This information is being communicated in part by a low blood level of the hormone leptin,' said Dr. Michael Schwartz, Professor of Medicine, at the University's School of Medicine.
News18
6 days ago
- News18
Can The Brain Help Regulate Blood Sugar In Type 1 Diabetes? Here's What New Study Says...
Curated By : Satyaki Baidya Translation Desk Last Updated: August 06, 2025, 19:07 IST When insulin drops, leptin falls too, tricking the brain into sensing low energy despite glucose and fat. (Representative/AP) A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has unveiled significant insights into the role of the brain in type 1 diabetes management. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that halts insulin production, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. In the absence of insulin, the body resorts to breaking down fat for energy, causing a dangerous increase in blood sugar and ketoacids, a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), typically treated with insulin. The study highlights the importance of leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, in regulating hunger and energy balance via the hypothalamus in the brain. It has found that when insulin levels drop, leptin levels also decrease, misleading the brain into thinking there is an energy deficit despite the presence of glucose and fat. This miscommunication prompts the brain to increase sugar and ketone production, resulting in DKA, the study suggested. In 2011, Dr. Michael Schwartz, a professor at Washington University in the US, and his team conducted an experiment where leptin was injected into the brains of type 1 diabetic mice and rats. Initially, there were no significant changes, but after four days, it was found that the animals' blood glucose and ketone levels normalised without insulin. This breakthrough suggested that the brain alone might regulate blood sugar levels, challenging the conventional belief that type 1 diabetes solely stems from a lack of insulin. The study highlighted that not only did the sugar level drop, but it also stayed balanced—indicating the brain can regulate blood sugar on its own. The scientific community initially met this discovery with scepticism. However, recent studies and analyses have strengthened the hypothesis that the brain plays a crucial role in managing type 1 diabetes. Dr. Schwartz now aims to seek approval from the US FDA for human trials to explore if leptin can yield similar results in humans. Swipe Left For Next Video View all The discovery of insulin 104 years ago marked a major step in diabetes treatment. Now, new research suggests leptin may also help regulate blood sugar, potentially reducing the need for daily insulin or frequent monitoring. According to the research, convincing the brain that the body has enough energy, or blocking the brain's signals that trigger glucose and ketone production, could help prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This challenges the long-held belief that type 1 diabetes is solely caused by a lack of insulin. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments News lifestyle Can The Brain Help Regulate Blood Sugar In Type 1 Diabetes? Here's What New Study Says... Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
