New theory on type 2 diabetes

Nobel laureate Dr James D Watson, the co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA, has released a new hypothesis on the causation of type 2 diabetes. His work has been published in the prestigious British medical journal The Lancet.

“The prevalent view of type 2 diabetes is that an excess of intracellular oxidation causes inflammation,” said Dr Watson, “which in turn kills cells in pancreatic tissue” - cells which help maintain normal blood glucose levels. But Dr Watson believes such inflammation is caused by “a lack of biological oxidants, not an excess”.

The body’s cells cannot survive without making both oxidants and antioxidants, with “a delicate balance” between the two, said Dr Watson. Physical exercise prompts the body to make large numbers of oxidants - molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS). In a cellular organ called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), one such ‘species’, oxidant hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), helps forge chemical bonds (disulfide bonds) which stabilise proteins as they fold. When there is not enough oxidation in the ER, Dr Watson says, proteins emerge unfolded and cannot function.

It is proposed that this causes the inflammation that harms the pancreas, sometimes causing type 2 diabetes. Exercise, which promotes oxidation, should thus have a beneficial effect on those with high blood sugar. Dr Watson believes such benefit would be lessened or abolished if such an individual consumed large quantities of antioxidants - just as athletes who take large quantities of antioxidant supplements seem to benefit less from their exertions.

For years, doctors have been telling patients with incipient type 2 diabetes (high blood sugar levels) to exercise. Though Dr Watson claims he has now found the reason for its benefit, he also believes the role of exercise needs to be better understood.

“We sorely need to take a much more serious and thorough scientific look at the mechanisms through which exercise improves our health,” Dr Watson concluded.

“I think exercise helps us produce healthy, functional proteins. But we really need to have some high-quality research to demonstrate this.”

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