Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have determined that excess weight does not necessarily lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

By studying mice, they learned that where the fat is stored and what hormones are present in the body have more to do with insulin sensitivity than just extra weight.

Adiponectin is the hormone that regulates insulin sensitivity. If there is a lot of adiponectin present, then extra calories are stored in fatty tissue. If there is less adiponectin, then the excess calories are stored in more dangerous places such as in the liver, heart and muscle tissues. These areas are more vulnerable to damage and can lead to insulin resistance and consequently, diabetes.

In the study, the "world's fattest mice" were used to measure adiponectin levels, fat storage, and insulin resistance.

The mice with the most adiponectin did not develop diabetes, in fact, they seemed to have added protection from ever developing the disease.

In a press release, dated August 23, 2007, Dr. Phillip Scherer, senior author of the study and professor of internal medicine says, “More than 66 percent of American adults are overweight or obese, so most people have excess caloric intake. We need to find ways to deposit these calories in the least harmful places, because the fat has to go somewhere,”

According to the results of the study, increasing adiponectin levels may someday help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in people.

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