Research
Hormonal
Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine organ secreting adipocytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, resistin, adiponectin) that modulate insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function.
Fat cells are active organs that release signaling molecules. Low levels of beneficial adiponectin and high levels of inflammatory cytokines in obesity contribute to insulin resistance. Treatments that increase adiponectin (like thiazolidinediones) or reduce inflammation may help.
GoodSupportsMEDIUM confidence
The view of the adipocyte as a simply storage depot for fat is no longer tenable. Indeed, the role of adipose tissue as an endocrine organ capable of secreting a number of adipose-tissue-specific or enriched hormones, known as adipocytokines or adipokines, is gaining appreciation.
Why this rating
Well-established in literature, though specific human contributions of some cytokines (TNF, resistin) are noted as controversial.
Source
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES
A J Scheen · Acta Clinica Belgica · 2003
DOI 10.1179/acb.2003.58.6.001
narrative_reviewCited 257×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Type 2 diabetes pathogenesis requires the concurrent presence of both insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, as neither defect alone is typically sufficient to cause overt glucose intolerance.Strong
- Visceral adiposity and ectopic fat storage (in liver, muscle, and pancreas) drive insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction through mechanisms involving elevated NEFA, lipotoxicity, and adipocytokine secretion.Good
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