Excess energy intake, especially
increased fat intake, is one of the major causes of diabetes and obesity. However,
physiological free
fatty acid concentrations are essential for insulin secretion, which would increase, in
the short term, the secretion of glucose-responsive insulin. On the other hand, prolonged
excess fat intake results in triglyceride accumulation in pancreatic beta cells,
leading to decreased insulin secretion. It has been reported that fat intake
contributes to obesity more than carbohydrate and protein intakes. Individuals
with higher fat intakes are, therefore, more prone to obesity than those with
lower fat intakes, even if total energy intakes are the same. In this project, we examine the impacts of diets with different
nutrient compositions on insulin
secretion, glucose
tolerance, insulin resistance, and obesity in genetically modified diabetes-, insulin resistant- and
obesity-model animals. In this way, our project aims to identify novel clinical
applications by developing the optimal nutritional therapy, in terms of nutrient-to-energy
ratio, for preventing lifestyle-related diseases.

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