I keep an eye on diabetes research because I have it, even though most research isn't applicable to my case.
Background: "Type 2 diabetes has always been a snake in the grass....The term "mild diabetes" persists, even though the disease is a leading cause of premature death from cardiovascular causes, amputations, and blindness. Life expectancy is considerably worse after the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes than after the diagnosis of some types of cancer." (Dr. Roy Taylor, in an editorial in the New England Journal of Medicine)
New Research: A genetic defect that causes an energy shortage in the body's cells appears to be a major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. Mitochondria -- the cells' energy centers -- do not appear to work correctly in children whose parents have type 2 diabetes. This defect may lead to an accumulation of fat inside muscle cells and to the development of insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
Comment: The basic concepts of the causation of type 2 diabetes have not changed significantly for more than two decades. This new research brings a welcome new direction in our understanding of this "snake in the grass."