Biomed Radio - Washington University School Of Medicine In St. Louis

Some cases of diabetes are caused by mutations to a single gene, In studies of such cases, a team of Washington University researchers has identified the way that those genetic mutations cause problems. Although most people with the genetic form of diabetes called Mature-Onset Diabetes of the Young 1, seem to have clinical symptoms that are very close to the symptoms that affect people with type 2 diabetes, these studies show that the underlying mechanisms are very different. Most treatments for type 2 diabetes are designed to excite insulin-secreting cells into making more insulin, but that’s not the problem in the genetic form of the disorder. The study finds that insulin-secreting cells are under stress in the genetic form of diabetes, and those treatments that work in type 2 diabetes can increase stress, eventually killing the cells. So the researchers say say their findings suggest that patients with that genetic form of diabetes may need a different type of therapy. ALMOST 30 MILLION AMERICANS HAVE DIA