Study sheds light on importance of fat stem cells in understanding risk of diabetes

Obesity is responsible for the deaths of over three million people a year worldwide due to its associated diseases such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, a subset of obese individuals seems to be protected from such diseases. Understanding the underlying protective mechanisms in the lower risk individuals could help design novel therapeutic strategies targeting those at higher risk of disease. An international collaboration, funded by Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), between the University of Bristol and Anti-Doping Laboratory Qatar (ADLQ), has revealed that fat stem cells in healthy obese individuals can store fat more efficiently than those with