The Link Between Obesity And Diabetes

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Some very technical news from the Harvard School of Public Health that might give us a new window into understanding why people who are overweight are more likely to have problems with diabetes.

This is becoming a major medical issue as our nation battles with obesity.

According to the study in the journal Nature, increased levels of fat raise the street level in the cells of mice. In particular a cellular component called the endoplasmic reticulum. You may remember studying the endoplasmic reticulum in school or going over it with your kids. Chronic stress on the endoplasmic reticulum is associated with what we call insulin resistance--the insulin needed to control blood sugar can't do its job.

This is not the answer but certainly a valuable tool to greater understanding about what is happening.

Reported By Dr. Brian McDonough, KYW Newsradio Medical Editor