A new study from the University of California, San Francisco may help physicians treat inflammation in diabetic patients without causing complete suppression of the immune system. Endocrinologist Suneil Koliwad recently discovered the mechanism behind the inflammation that occurs when particular immune cells known as macrophages are exposed to excess saturated fats.

"We might have uncovered an inroad into a way that we could alleviate the form of inflammation that goes on in the fat tissue where lipids may serve as a trigger, but still allow the macrophages in the tissue to remain responsive to triggers of inflammation that might represent infection or injury. To stimuli that we would want to maintain responsiveness against."

Immune suppression drugs may often keep over-the-top immune reactions in check, but they can also put the person at risk of other conditions. Koliwad says the next step is to hone in even more on this pathway to see how it may help scientists develop better diabetes drugs.

Photo by Steve Gschmeissner.