The fat cells that just sit around your waist is not only there for storage. Researchers have shown that there is a gene called KLF14, that is associated with the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. The KLF14 gene has the ability to regulate where and how to store fat in the body. It can control other fat cells as well by changing their structure and function. The different KLF14 variants do not affect overall body weight, it is only related to fat distribution. Women with the one version of the gene variant tend to have slimmer hips, while women with another have the "pear-shaped".
It is not just the women with larger hips that tend to get Type 2 Diabetes. Those women are actually are at a lower risk than women who have narrow hips. Studies have shown that fat distribution is also an important factor in Type 2 Diabetes than just obesity alone. So women who have the "apple-shaped" body versus women with the "pear-shaped" body need to be aware of what they are eating and how to exercise regularly.
Dr. Caroline Apovian, a spokeswoman for the Obesity Society, said that the KLF14 variant seems to only influence women, but it does not mean that there are no genes that are associated with fat storage and diabetes for men. Men have a larger waistline than women, so they can also develop diabetes and heart-related diseases.
"Diabetes is one of the top diseases Americans tend to get and I think this is a wonderful article for people to read because it informs you that EVERYONE is capable of getting Type 2 Diabetes. If someone has the KLF14 gene, I do not think it means that you are guaranteed the disease. By monitoring how much of what you eat and getting proper exercise, it will be less likely for you to get diabetes. No matter how busy your schedule may be, it is very important to fit at least 30mins of moderate or intense level of some kind of workout."
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This connection between fat distribution and the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes seems pretty cool, but I'm not so sure I understand it enough to really believe it. Scientists have tended to demonstrate a connection between weight and risks of developing Type 2 Diabetes, but it is interesting that body shape could now influence that risk. Hopefully more research is done on this connection and maybe scientists will even find a gene variant in men with similar effects. Ultimately, everyone should be aware of what they are eating and exercise regularly to stay healthy, regardless of body shape.
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