Description: This study looks at how body fat is distributed differently in people with type 2 diabetes compared to those without diabetes. Using advanced imaging, researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes tend to have more fat around their organs and muscles and less fat under the skin. Because certain types of fat increase insulin resistance, these differences may help explain why managing blood sugar is harder for people with type 2 diabetes. The findings emphasize that where fat is stored in the body can be just as important as how much fat a person has.

Citation: Gallagher, D., Kelley, D. E., Yim, J. E., Spence, N., Albu, J., Boxt, L., Pi-Sunyer, F. X., Heshka, S., & MRI Ancillary Study Group of the Look AHEAD Research Group (2009). Adipose tissue distribution is different in type 2 diabetes. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 89(3), 807–814. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2008.26955

Copyright: © 2009 American Society for Nutrition