stemceller's Journal: Fat cells send message that aids insulin secretion

The body's fat cells help the pancreas do its job of secreting insulin, according to new research. This previously unrecognized process ultimately could lead to new methods to improve glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic or insulin-resistant people. In a study using laboratory mice, published in the November 7, 2007 issue of Cell Metabolism, scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine report that fat cells release a protein that aids insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, which are the sole source of insulin. The protein is an enzyme that the pancreatic cells themselves produce in only minimal amounts. The enzyme works to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells.