A team of scientists at the University of Michigan has identified a cellular “switch” that could reverse diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in β-cells that results in immaturity and impaired insulin production.

The researchers discovered a stress response triggered by damaged mitochondria that prevents these cells from functioning properly.

They blocked the response with ISRIB, an experimental drug, which repaired β-cells in mice and restored their ability to control glucose.

ISRIB inhibits the cellular stress response and is also being tested in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Type 2 diabetics either do not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin their pancreas produces to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Until now, no study had explained why β cells failed to mature and produce insulin.

“We wanted to determine which pathways are important for maintaining proper mitochondrial function,” said team member Emily M. Walker, PhD.

Diabetes affects several systems: you gain weight, the liver produces too much sugar, muscles are affected....

“We now have an explanation of what is happening and how we can fix the root cause,” said Dr. Soleimanpour lead author of the study.

The researchers hope to replicate these results in cells from diabetic patients and open new avenues to cure the disease.