Scientists at Trinity College have made a discovery which could lead to new treatments to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.
They have found what could be the underlying cause of the disease.
Every year around four million people die worldwide from diseases relating to diabetes, with obesity becoming a major issue.
In Ireland, diabetes affects around 14% of over 40s and most of them have Type 2 diabetes, which is obesity related.
The TCD scientists believe a hormone known as IAPP, which gets deposited in the pancreas, is the trigger for the disease.
Their findings were published today in Science Journal Nature Immunology.
The work involved collaborators in other universities including UCD and was State-funded through Science Foundation Ireland.
