Inflammatory and immune etiology of type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a global threat affecting millions of patients worldwide. However, its causes remain incompletely dissected and we lack the tools to predict which individuals will develop T2D. Although there is a clear proven clinical association of T2D with metabolic disorders such as obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the existence of a significant number of nondiabetic obese subjects suggests yet-uncovered features of such relationships. Here, we propose that a significant proportion of individuals may harbor an immune profile that renders them susceptible to developing T2D. We note the heterogeneity of circulating monocytes and tissue macrophages in organs that are key to metabolic disorders such as liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), and endocrine pancreas, as well as their contribution to T2D genesis.

Automated summary

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global threat with unclear causes and a lacking predictive tool. Although T2D is clinically associated with metabolic disorders, the existence of nondiabetic obese individuals suggests undiscovered features of such relationships. This study proposes that certain individuals may have an immune profile that increases susceptibility to T2D, highlighting the role of monocytes and tissue macrophages in metabolic organs.