CLAIM: Scientists have reversed type 2 diabetes by silencing specific brain neurons without impacting body weight.

FACT: Partially true. Scientists found that inhibiting certain brain cells called AgRP neurons helped bring blood sugar back to normal for months in animals. This could even put type 2 diabetes into remission (and not reversal) without changing how much the animals ate or their body weight.

First Check received a post through its WhatsApp tipline, which claims that scientists reversed type 2 diabetes by silencing specific brain neurons without impacting body weight. 

We looked at the study referred to in this post.

What did the study find?

Slowing down AgRP neurons, certain brain cells that regulate appetite and energy balance, significantly improve insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation in animal models, research published by the University of Washington School of Medicine showed.

“These neurons are playing an outsized role in hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes,” Dr Michael Schwartz, UW Medicine endocrinologist and corresponding author of the paper, said. 

“Targeting these neurons may not reverse obesity, even as it causes diabetes to go into remission,” Schwartz noted. 

Though “remission” and “reversal” are often used interchangeably, but  in the context of diabetes, they are not the same. Remission implies a period where disease symptoms lessen or disappear, but the disease can potentially return. Reversal, on the other hand, suggests a more permanent state where the disease is considered cured and unlikely to return. 

Is the claim true?

The claim is partially inaccurate. While the research shows significant metabolic improvements, including potential remission of type 2 diabetes, it does not confirm a complete reversal of the condition. 

The findings highlight the critical role of AgRP neurons in managing type 2 diabetes, offering a novel pathway for future treatments. However, the results are based on animal models, and human trials are needed to validate efficacy in humans. 

Also read: Millions may have this overlooked form of diabetes. It now has a name