Diabetes bid needs overweight men

Forty overweight men - 20 with type 2 diabetes - are wanted for the study

Overweight men are wanted by researchers in Aberdeen aiming to better understand the connection between obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Twenty overweight men with the condition and another 20 overweight men without are being sought for the study.

It is hoped it could improve treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

The study by the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health will assess if specific hormones produced by fat tissue are an issue.

Dr Nigel Hoggard, who is leading the study, said: "We know that obesity is strongly associated with the development of type 2 diabetes but we do not yet understand why some people who are overweight have the condition and others do not.

Diabetes presents a serious health challenge for Scotland with the number of people with the condition increasing every year Dr Nigel Hoggard Study leader

"Obesity is clearly associated with an increase in body fat and we believe the answer may lie in hormones produced by fat tissue in the body.

"Fat tissue produces a number of different hormones and our study will focus on a small number of these to determine whether they are at the root of the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes."

He added: "Diabetes presents a serious health challenge for Scotland with the number of people with the condition increasing every year.

"The study provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to take part in research which will enhance understanding of type 2 diabetes and potentially pave the way for better treatment of the condition."

Volunteers should be from the Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire areas or be willing to travel to the research centre in Aberdeen.

Anyone wishing to learn more can make contact on 01224 716603 or by e-mail at [e-mail]