Could This Hormone be the Key to Managing Diabetes and Obesity?

Managing diabetes and obesity is a daunting task for many people around the world.

 However, researchers have discovered a hormone called GDF15 that could potentially improve insulin sensitivity and energy absorption in rodents. This hormone also acts as an appetite suppressant, helping obese rodents lose weight. Interestingly, the study showed that even lean rodents benefited from a low dose of GDF15, improving insulin action.

But what about humans? GDF15 has been tested as an appetite suppressant in humans as well, but unfortunately, it caused nausea as a side effect. It is also known as a stress hormone secreted in various physiological states, including physical activity, aging, and in overweight or ill individuals. Pregnant women have significantly elevated levels of this hormone, whereas individuals with better physical fitness have lower levels of it.

Although GDF15 is secreted in many different situations, its exact role is still unknown. However, high doses of GDF15 reduce appetite in rodents, but low doses improve insulin sensitivity without weight loss. Another interesting finding from the study was that the liver and fatty tissue, not muscles, showed the most improvement in insulin sensitivity. 

Further investigation is needed to fully understand the connections between GDF15 and its effects. The discovery of GDF15 is a promising step in the right direction for managing diabetes and obesity. 

Source:-https://www.futurity.org/gdf15-hormone-insulin-2967182/