Researchers defined a link between high insulin levels and defective lipid metabolism but the cause may not be exactly what you think. According to a study published in June, 2005 -- this could be due to their choice in blood sugar lowering medication.

The conclusion of the study identified obese insulin-resistant subjects taking metformin (brand names Glucophage, Diabex, Diaformin, Fortamet, Riomet, Glumetza) and rosiglitazone both improve insulin sensitivity (increase insulin production) but DO NOT improve lipid metabolism. Rosiglitazone (brand name Avandia) may have a detrimental effect on chylomicron metabolism

Blood vessels of insulin-resistant rats build up a substance called chylomicron cholesterol following a high fat meal. Because the rats are insulin-resistant, more insulin (in the form of an anti-diabetes pill) is required to clear sugars and fats from their bloodstream. Higher insulin levels reduced the rate of chylomicron removal from the blood stream following a meal. This slower clearing rate increased the chylomicron particles sticking around the blood vessels, leading to arterial plaque build up and heart disease.

Knowing that high levels of insulin are associated with elevated levels of chylomicron cholesterol, researchers will use this information to try to figure out how this happens.

Why would they do that? The answer was already explained in June, 2005. Oh it must be because arterial plaque builds differently in Australian's on anti-diabetic pills than it does in American's on anti-diabetic pills. We should all thank the good folks at GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer and Merck. Without their medicine -- how would anybody ever know about this stuff? First you're on an anti-diabetic pill, then you're on cholesterol lowing pill, what's next? Of course -- the blood pressure!!

How many people are Gold Star type 2 diabetic patients?

A study suggests that a bile acid may be used for the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. This discovery was made when researchers found colestimide, a resin that eliminates bile acids, as a cholesterol-lowering treatment.

The study was based on the fact that abnormal lipids lead to high mortality in type 2 diabetics. The researchers investigated the effects of colestimide on blood glucose levels in mice that develop a disease akin to type 2 diabetes. Colestimide treatment prevented diet-induced obesity and high blood sugar, and corrected diet-induced obesity in mice. It also showed a significant decrease in levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol without affecting "good" HDL cholesterol levels.

How about that? The unlikely path of colestimide could detour us from hitting the dead end consequences of high blood fats and obesity. All these discoveries on mice eventually will prove something remarkable for us humans. Won't they?

Who would've thought the juicy nectar of a mango could aid in diabetes control? A study is analyzing how individual components of the mango can affect human cells. Early results suggest these components could be isolated to form alternative treatments for metabolic disorders like diabetes and high cholesterol.

This study aims to find unique ingredients in mangoes and other tropical fruit like paw paws. Sounds adorable, doesn't it? Typically studies involve vegetables and fruits like broccoli and grapes. The nutritional values of tropical fruits have been historically discounted. Recent interests in the fruits are opening new doors to further scientific discoveries. Early results suggest some compounds in mangoes work by activating or inhibiting groups of receptors known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, or PPARs. PPARs play a role in cellular metabolism. The findings of this study could present positive nutritional health benefits for diabetes and high cholesterol. Furthermore, preliminary findings also suggest that mango skin, often a component of mango juice, is particularly rich in these compounds.

Okay, as an aside-I would like to point out that the skin of the mango can inflict a reaction similar to that of poison ivy. I know this because I've had the misfortune of this happening to me. If you are predisposed to reacting to poison ivy, and you come in contact with the sap on the skin of a mango- it could possibly result in a terribly uncomfortable reaction for you, too. Take my word for it. Don't say I didn't warn you.