In this week's episode, written by guest author Daniel Benton, we examine the link between obesity and diabetes. We look at the underlying biological mechanisms that link the two conditions, why each can exacerbate the other, and what medications are available and on the horizon to help mange the linked conditions.

References:

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• Halberg N, Khan T, Trujillo ME, Wernstedt-Asterholm I, Attie AD, Sherwani S, Wang ZV, Landskroner-Eiger S, Dineen S, Magalang UJ, Brekken RA. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α induces fibrosis and insulin resistance in white adipose tissue. Molecular and cellular biology. 2009 Aug 1;29(16):4467-83. https://doi.org/10.1128/mcb.00192-09
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• Andreasen CR, Andersen A, Knop FK, Vilsbøll T. How glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists work. Endocrine Connections [Internet]. 2021 July 17 [cited 2026 July 6];10(7):R200–12. Available from: https://ec.bioscientifica.com/view/journals/ec/10/7/EC-21-0130.xml
• Seino Y, Fukushima M, Yabe D. GIP and GLP-1, the two incretin hormones: Similarities and differences. Journal of Diabetes Investigation [Internet]. 2010 Feb [cited 2026 July 6];1(1–2):8–23. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4020673/
• Hayes MR, Borner T, De Jonghe BC. The Role of GIP in the Regulation of GLP-1 Satiety and Nausea. Diabetes [Internet]. 2021 Sept 1 [cited 2026 July 6];70(9):1956–61. Available from: https://diabetesjournals-org.translate.goog/diabetes/article/70/9/1956/137765/The-Role-of-GIP-in-the-Regulation-of-GLP-1-Satiety?_x_tr_sl=en&_x_tr_tl=pt&_x_tr_hl=pt-BR&_x_tr_pto=wapp
• Al-Massadi O, Fernø J, Diéguez C, Nogueiras R, Quiñones M. Glucagon Control on Food Intake and Energy Balance. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2019 Aug 11;20(16):3905. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20163905
• Muhammad T, Pastore SF, Good K, Yu WH, Vincent JB. The role of amylin, a gut–brain axis hormone, in metabolic and neurological disorders. FASEB BioAdvances. 2025 Jan 20;. https://doi.org/10.1096/fba.2024-00151

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