[itissteve]

It's been the dream of some to be able to replicate for diabetics the pancreatic beta cells that produce and manage insulin in the body. One stumbling block, though, is that non-native beta cells are recognized as foreign and the body attacks them as it would a virus or cells of an infection. Scientists have learned more about fats made in human tissue that protects native pancreatic beta cells. This is a step toward replicating that process and making replacement beta cells accepted within their new body.

"endocrinologists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have identified a key enzyme in the synthesis of a new class of lipids (or fats), called FAHFAs, that are made in human tissues and have beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, blood sugar control and other metabolic-related parameters in humans and mice"