Explore the best foods to lower blood sugar naturally, improve glucose control, and support a healthy lifestyle with effective dietary choices.
The research team began their work in 2020 and has made several important discoveries that have the potential to change our understanding of diabetes.
These very recently published studies focus on a new form of cell death that affects the pancreas and other organs, and this discovery could explain why diabetes occurs in many cases.
It is well known that insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas. When these cells die, insulin production decreases, leading to diabetes. Until now, scientists have recognized three main forms of cell death, but could not fully explain why diabetes occurs in so many people.
What has now been discovered is a fourth form of cell death that specifically affects the beta cells of the pancreas. This cell death is caused by a lack of certain nutrients that the body needs but that are not consumed enough in the diet.
To understand this new reason, it is necessary to study the cell membrane, which is essential for the protection of the cell. The cell membrane consists of a bilayer of phospholipids, a significant part of which are fatty acids.
There are different types of fatty acids, the best known being omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body. However, researchers have discovered another essential fatty acid: C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid).
While previously only omega-3 and omega-6 were considered essential fatty acids, new research has shown that C15:0 is the third essential fatty acid. When the body is deficient in C15:0, cells, including pancreatic beta cells, begin to die, leading to reduced insulin secretion and ultimately diabetes.
When the concentration of C15:0 in the blood falls below 0.2%, cell membranes weaken and become more susceptible to oxidation. It particularly affects the beta cells of the pancreas, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes.
Where can C15:0 be obtained? The richest sources of this essential fatty acid are dairy products such as whole milk, butter, cream, and natural ghee. Unfortunately, since the 1970s, dietary guidelines have misinterpreted full-fat dairy products as high in cholesterol and advised against their consumption.
As the intake of full-fat dairy products has declined, the prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes, has increased. The reduction in C15:0 due to reduced dairy intake is now associated with increased cell death in the pancreas as well as other organs such as the liver and kidneys.
In response to these findings, pharmaceutical companies have started to produce C15:0 supplements. However, it is important to remember that natural food sources such as whole milk products are more effective than supplements.
If you have diabetes, pre-diabetes, or fatty liver disease, consider increasing your intake of full-fat dairy products such as milk, cream, and butter. These products are a natural source of C15:0 and can help protect cells and improve overall health.