Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have discovered a direct connection between type 2 diabetes and one gene causing Parkinson's disease, a debilitating, neurogenerative condition. Turns out the biochemical changes resulting from type 2 diabetes turn off the PINK1 gene. Loss of PINK1 gene function is one established cause of Parkinson's.
Lead researcher, Professor James Timmons, explained this is the first time a connection between type 2 and Parkinson's has been determined at the molecular level, as opposed to statistical associations between the two diseases based on population studies.
Researchers recommend the obvious -- keep fit and healthy to ward off type 2 diabetes and you may keep Parkinson's out of reach, too.
