Loss of Healthy Fat Tissue Linked to Higher Diabetes Risk

Researchers at the University of Michigan published a study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation (Nov 2025) showing that loss of healthy adipose tissue, as occurs in partial familial lipodystrophy type 2 (FPLD2), impairs fat‑cell function, causes inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, reduces hormone production, and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and fatty‑liver disease. Endocrinologist Elif Oral highlighted that healthy fat stores are essential for glucose regulation.

Health guides note that excess abdominal fat is strongly associated with diabetes and heart disease. Recommended strategies include avoiding added sugars and sugary drinks, limiting fructose intake, and monitoring waist circumference (over 102 cm for men, 88 cm for women) to manage metabolic risk.