Vitamin in favor of pancreas cells known as beta cells, which produce insulin;hormone that regulates blood sugar.
For years, researchers have tried to decipher the biological mechanisms involved in the development of the disease.
Now, a recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College, in the United States, suggests that the culprit could be the lack of vitamin A.
According to the very interesting online edition, vitamin in favor of pancreas cells known as beta cells, which produce insulin;hormone that regulates blood sugar.
In tests with mice, the researchers showed that an insufficient diet in vitamin A caused a massive loss of beta cells.Consequently, insulin production decreased and blood glucose levels increased.
Scientists also found that, by reintroducing vitamin A in the rodent diet, animals stabilize again.It increased its insulin production and their blood sugar levels returned to normal.
The results could offer new clues about the cause of type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance and, in more advanced cases, beta cell shortage capable of producing it.
If the lack of vitamin A, either because of an inadequate diet or metabolic defects, is responsible for type 2 diabetes in humans, a specialized vitamin supplement could reverse the effects of the disease.
Researchers hope to develop new treatments to preserve or replace beta cells, a considerable achievement since there are currently no medications capable of doing this.
The study has been published in Journal of Biological Chemistry.