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insulin resistance

Gut microbial metabolites restore hormone-producing cells in obesity

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 29, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Gut Microbe Byproducts Boost Metabolism-Regulating Cells

New research identifies a pathway to potentially combat obesity’s metabolic effects.

Scientists have discovered that byproducts from gut bacteria may offer a new therapeutic approach for metabolic issues linked to obesity. The research centers on restoring crucial hormone-producing cells within the intestine.

Restoring Gut Hormone Production

The study, published in the *International Journal of Molecular Sciences*, highlights enteroendocrine cells (EECs). These specialized intestinal cells are vital for metabolic control, releasing hormones like GLP-1, which aids insulin secretion and appetite suppression. Obesity is known to reduce the number and function of these essential cells, contributing to insulin resistance.

Researchers explored how indole, a metabolite derived from dietary tryptophan (an amino acid in protein-rich foods), could help regenerate EECs. Using “mini-gut” organoids and rat models, they found that obesity caused a roughly 60% decrease in these hormone-producing cells.

Intriguingly, treating human gut organoids with indole or a probiotic’s growth medium significantly increased EECs, more than doubling their numbers. This effect was dependent on a cell receptor known as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), indicating its key role in the process.

“Our findings suggest that microbial metabolites derived from dietary tryptophan can reverse obesity-associated reductions in hormone-secreting gut cells. This points to a potential therapeutic strategy that leverages the gut microbes to improve metabolic outcomes in obesity.”

—Alip Borthakur, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

This research provides foundational evidence for developing interventions targeting the gut microbiota. Such strategies, including probiotics or dietary changes, could enhance incretin hormone production, thereby improving glucose metabolism and appetite regulation in individuals with obesity.

Student Collaboration and Future Potential

The study benefited from the work of several students, including undergraduate Morrison Chicko and graduate students James Hart and Hassan Mansour, as well as doctoral student Harshal Sawant. Faculty members Subha Arthur, Ph.D., and Jennifer Haynes, Ph.D., also contributed.

“It has been exciting to mentor four enthusiastic, intelligent, curious and dedicated Marshall students at different times of the study,” stated Borthakur. “They were thrilled to use the ‘mini gut’ model, a 3D human intestinal organoid model that truly represents the architecture and compositional complexity of the native human gut.”

The study received support from the National Institutes of Health through grants from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).

The potential for gut microbiome modulation in treating metabolic disorders is significant. For example, studies have shown that interventions like fecal microbiota transplantation can improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with metabolic syndrome (Source: Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2023).

July 29, 2025 0 comments

Health

Lower body temperature found to directly influence glucose metabolism in mice

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 10, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Body Temperature Actively Controls Metabolism, Study Finds

Lowering Body Temperature Induces Diabetes-Like State in Mice

New research challenges the established view that body temperature is merely a consequence of metabolic activity. Scientists have discovered that body temperature actively regulates metabolism, opening new avenues for potential treatments of metabolic disorders.

Key Development

A team of researchers from the Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS) and the National Institute for Physiological Sciences (NIPS) at the National Institutes Natural Sciences (NINS), including **Ryosuke Enoki**, utilized a unique mouse model known as Q-neuron-induced hypothermia and hypometabolism (QIH). This enabled them to safely lower body temperature in mice, isolating the direct impact of temperature on metabolism.

“The key message is simple but powerful: lowering body temperature alone, without drugs or genetic manipulation, can reversibly induce a diabetes-like state in healthy animals. Just by rewarming, normal metabolism is rapidly restored. This demonstrates that body temperature is not a passive output, but an active regulator of systemic glucose metabolism.”

—Ming-Liang Lee, Assistant Professor

Remarkably, mice in the QIH state exhibited elevated fasting glucose and insulin levels in their blood. Rewarming the mice reversed the hypothermia and normalized both insulin and glucose levels. According to the CDC, over 37 million Americans have diabetes (CDC.gov).

Hibernation and Metabolism

Hibernation is a survival mechanism employed by some mammals to conserve energy during periods of scarcity. While the purpose of this adaptation is clear, the precise mechanisms by which these animals regulate their metabolism and body temperature have remained elusive.

The conventional view suggested that body temperature was dictated by the heat produced during metabolism. Metabolism of glucose, a sugar that provides energy to cells, generates heat. Lower body temperatures conserve energy. Until now, the direct relationship between metabolism and body temperature has been difficult to study.

Impact on Organs

Closer analysis of specific organs revealed that glucose metabolism in brown adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, heart, and brain were significantly lowered in hypothermic mice. This corresponded with decreases in movement and energy consumption. The reversal of high glucose and insulin levels upon rewarming suggests temperature directly impacts glucose metabolism rather than activation of Qrfp neurons.

Future Research

While the team’s discovery challenges the long-standing view that temperature is simply a consequence of metabolic activity, the researchers acknowledge that understanding exactly how temperature affects metabolism will be a significant challenge.

**Ming-Liang Lee** stated, “Our next step is to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms that link body temperature with glucose regulation across different tissues. Ultimately, we aim to apply this knowledge to develop “therapeutic hypometabolism” strategies capable of temporarily reducing body metabolic stress in diabetic patients or easing systemic inflammation. Long term, we hope this research will open a path toward new, temperature-based interventions for metabolic disease.”

July 10, 2025 0 comments

Health

Working out at THIS time can help lower blood sugar |

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 2, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Evening Exercise May Be Best for Blood Sugar

New research pinpoints optimal workout times for glucose control.

Want to maximize the blood-sugar-lowering benefits of exercise? New findings suggest that when you work out may be as vital as how intensely or frequently you do. For individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes, timing workouts strategically could be especially beneficial.

Key Findings on Exercise Timing

A recent study highlighted that moderate to vigorous physical activity in the evening yields the most significant reduction in blood glucose levels. The benefits were most apparent in adults who were overweight, obese, or typically sedentary.

The study, published in the journal Obesity, suggests that individuals struggling with insulin resistance might particularly benefit from this approach.

Research indicates that the timing of exercise significantly impacts blood sugar levels. A study involving 186 adults revealed that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity in the evening leads to the most substantial reduction in blood glucose, particularly for those overweight, obese, or with sedentary habits. Prioritizing afternoon-to-evening movement is feasible for glucose regulation.

According to the CDC, about 96 million U.S. adults—over a third of the population—have prediabetes (CDC, 2022). Therefore, strategies like timing workouts could have a significant public health impact.

Study Details

Researchers monitored 186 adults, with an average age of 46 and a BMI of 32.9, for 14 days. Participants wore devices that tracked both their glucose patterns and physical activity levels throughout the day.

The scientists categorized the physical activity based on when it occurred: morning (6 a.m. to noon), afternoon (noon to 6 p.m.), evening (6 p.m. to midnight), or mixed (if no single time block accounted for more than 50% of the activity).

Expert Perspectives

“Our results highlight the importance of the field of precision exercise prescription. In clinical practice, certified sports and medical personnel should consider the optimal timing of the day to enhance the effectiveness of the exercise and physical activity programs they prescribe,” said Jonatan R. Ruiz, PhD, professor of physical activity and health at the University of Granada.

Working out at THIS time can help lower blood sugar | — Afternoon workouts and physical activity

Furthermore, Renee J. Rogers, PhD, senior scientist at the University of Kansas Medical Center, noted, “As the field moves towards individualized exercise prescriptions for different chronic conditions, this study now provides additional insights beyond just telling patients to ‘move more,’ but instead to move as often as possible and to prioritize afternoon-to-evening movement when feasible for glucose regulation.”

In conclusion, shifting your workout schedule to later in the day may offer a simple yet effective way to manage blood sugar levels, particularly if you’re overweight, obese, or live a mostly sedentary lifestyle.

July 2, 2025 0 comments

Health

Fatty Liver: US doctor reveals the BEST exercise to reverse fatty liver |

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 1, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Doctor Reveals Best Exercise to Fight Fatty Liver

Weight-bearing workouts are key for preventing and improving the condition.

Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common, and millions are affected globally. A California-based physician, Dr. Wendi LeBrett, highlights a specific type of exercise that can help prevent and even improve this health issue.

The Power of Exercise

Dr. LeBrett, a gastroenterologist, emphasizes how exercise can improve one’s health. She highlighted that weight-bearing exercises are crucial in the fight against fatty liver disease. According to the doctor, this is because building muscle mass is one of the best ways to combat insulin resistance.

“One in four Americans will have fatty liver, and insulin resistance is a key driver in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver,”

—Dr. Wendi LeBrett

This condition, often linked to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, can lead to serious complications. Experts recommend these exercises for those at risk or already dealing with the issue. Regular exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can significantly improve liver health. For those who are at risk, this provides a tangible method of prevention and improvement.

Understanding Fatty Liver

Fatty liver disease happens when excess fat builds up in the liver. This buildup can harm the liver’s functions over time. There are two main types: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcoholic fatty liver disease.

The liver is the largest organ in the body, helping to digest food and remove toxins.

The Right Exercises

Dr. LeBrett advises focusing on weight-bearing exercises over cardio. Building muscle mass should be a priority. This could include walking, running, jumping, dancing, or using weights for squats, lunges, and push-ups. These exercises can significantly reduce insulin resistance.

According to the CDC, in 2021, the prevalence of NAFLD was estimated to be around 30% in the United States, highlighting the growing need for awareness and effective interventions (CDC).

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to exercise, a balanced diet can also help. Dr. LeBrett recommends a diet low in refined sugars and processed carbohydrates. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to keep track of progress and prevent complications.

July 1, 2025 0 comments

Health

Meal and sleep timing play key roles in diabetes prevention

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor June 13, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

When You Eat Matters: New Insights into Diabetes Risk

Timing of Daily Habits Significantly Impacts Metabolic Health

New research reveals that when you eat, sleep, and move may be as crucial as what you do, offering a pathway to personalized diabetes prevention. A recent study identified distinct metabolic patterns linked to lifestyle timing.

Study Uncovers Timing-Based Metabolic Differences

Researchers published findings in npj Digital Medicine, investigating the connection between daily routines and metabolic function in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study included 36 healthy adults in a primary cohort and 10 in a validation group.

Meal and sleep timing play key roles in diabetes prevention

Participants used a food tracking app, Fitbit Ionic bands (for 24 of 36 due to a recall), and continuous glucose monitors. Researchers then performed oral glucose tolerance tests and insulin suppression tests to determine metabolic sub-phenotypes like insulin resistance and incretin function.

Meal Timing Reveals Key Patterns

The study found that individuals with prediabetes or T2D exhibited greater glucose fluctuations than those with normal blood sugar levels. Analysis of meal timing revealed significant differences based on HbA1c levels. Those with higher HbA1c consumed less energy between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM and more between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Individuals with decreased incretin function—affecting insulin release—ate more between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM, and less between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

Sleep, Activity, and Glucose Control

Energy intake from meals between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM was inversely associated with fasting plasma glucose. Conversely, eating more between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM correlated with higher glucose levels and poorer nighttime glucose control. These associations remained even when total daily calorie intake was the same, highlighting the importance of timing.

Greater variability in sleep efficiency was linked to higher nighttime glucose, while earlier wake-up times correlated with reduced incretin effects. Increased sedentary time was associated with hyperglycemia. Stepping after a meal, particularly between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, lowered next-day glucose in insulin-resistant individuals.

Lifestyle Factors Interconnected

A network analysis revealed significant correlations between lifestyle factors. For example, higher rice intake was associated with difficulty falling asleep and reduced sleep efficiency. Higher legume intake correlated with longer sleep duration. Increased fruit, potassium, and fiber intake were linked to longer sleep.

Machine learning models showed that higher carbohydrate intake from sweets and starchy vegetables, along with late-night eating, predicted prediabetes and higher HbA1c. Fruit intake, however, was associated with normal blood sugar. According to the CDC, over 38 million Americans have diabetes, and many could benefit from these insights.

Predictive Models Show Promise

The team validated their prediction models with an independent cohort, achieving 80% accuracy in predicting incretin function. This suggests that personalized lifestyle recommendations based on timing could be highly effective.

The study authors acknowledge limitations, including a modest sample size and observational design. Further research with diverse populations is needed. Nevertheless, these findings offer a compelling case for considering the timing of lifestyle behaviors in diabetes prevention and management.

June 13, 2025 0 comments

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