Blocking a protein to stop type 2 diabetes

TYPE 2 diabetes could be prevented by blocking a protein in the cells that produce insulin.

Researchers at lund University in sweden used antibodies to limit the production of the protein, known as VDAC1.

High, constant levels of sugar in the blood raise the levels of VDAC1, which effectively causes insulin cells to die.

As a result, not enough insulin is produced and the blood sugar levels are uncontrolled.

In a study using cells donated from patients who’d had type 2 diabetes, the researchers blocked VDAC1 and production of insulin returned to normal.