Brown adipose tissue and type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Recent work proposes that a regimen of repeated mild cold exposure may have protective effects against the development of type II diabetes mellitus (T2D) by activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism. BAT may protect against by increasing whole-body energy expenditure and insulin sensitivity. An evolutionary perspective, however, highlights several limitations of this hypothesis. Some individuals adapt to acute cold stress by constricting their blood vessels, which leads to high blood pressure. Thus, a regimen of repeated mild cooling may have beneficial health effects for some individuals and negative consequences for others. Future research should examine the relationships between low temperature exposure, BAT metabolism, blood pressure, and type II diabetes risk.