Insulin resistance prevention - the key to type 2 diabetes
Betaine is found in plant and animal food sources, primarily quinoa, seafood and spinach in the human diet. Dietary deficits affect fluid balance and can cause harmful changes in liver metabolism. Preliminary analysis of the human metabolome by the IRBETAINE-CIG (Molecular mechanisms underlying the development of insulin resistance: role of betaine supplementation) project showed that betaine level reduction can contribute to insulin resistance. Furthermore, mice with diet-induced obesity on a betaine-supplemented diet showed improved insulin sensitivity and whole-body energy expenditure. IRBETAINE-CIG researchers are building on the results of the first phase of the project where improvements in liver and fat tissue were seen after betaine supplementation. The work involves three lines of research: the direct effect of betaine in the liver, its function as an osmolyte, and its potential role in gut microbiota in improving host health. Using cutting edge techniques such as metabolomic analysis and next generation sequencing of messenger RNA, the research will evaluate thousands of data points. This should aid in identifying key biomarkers and genetic sequences involved in the development of diabetes and obesity. Important collaborations with other departments in the host institution, Saint Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain, which includes hospitals and health centres, have been forged. As a result, joint work includes clinical translational studies in the area of childhood obesity and early nutritional support of preterm infants. Research results are contributing to the identification of early metabolic changes and signals associated with the development of diabetes and obesity. This may ultimately lead to new prevention and treatment strategies and considerably improved population health.
Keywords
Insulin resistance, prevention, type 2 diabetes, betaine, obesity, biomarker
