The Study
Elevated miR-143 and miR-34a gene expression in human visceral adipose tissue are associated with insulin resistance in non-diabetic adults: a cross-sectional study
This study looked at two tiny molecules in fat tissue and saw that people with higher levels of them also tended to have worse blood sugar control. But it didn't change anything or wait to see what happens over time — so we can't say these molecules cause the problem, just that they show up together.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists looked at tiny molecules in belly fat and found they go up when the body has trouble using insulin, especially in people who are overweight.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 544 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — if you're obese, these molecules in your belly fat may be a warning sign your body is becoming resistant to insulin, even before diabetes develops.
- 2In obese people, higher levels of miR-143 and miR-34a in belly fat were linked to higher blood sugar and insulin, and lower insulin sensitivity.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity
Year
2022
Authors
E. Yuzbashian, S. C. de Campos Zani, Maryam Zarkash, G. Asghari, M. Hedayati, A. Khalaj, Catherine B. Chan
Related Content
Claims (6)
In obese adults, higher levels of miR-143 and miR-34a in fat tissue around the organs are linked more strongly to insulin resistance than in adults who are not obese.
In adults without diabetes, higher levels of two specific microRNAs in visceral fat are linked to higher blood sugar, higher insulin, and signs of insulin resistance, even when accounting for age, sex, and body weight.
In adults without diabetes, higher levels of miR-34a in fat tissue under the skin are linked to higher insulin levels during fasting and reduced insulin sensitivity, but not to changes in fasting blood sugar or HOMA-IR estimates.
In non-diabetic adults, the level of miR-143 in fat tissue under the skin does not relate to any measure of insulin resistance when accounting for age, sex, and body mass index.
Losing visceral fat reduces inflammation and restores normal insulin function, which improves overall metabolic health.
In non-diabetic adults, the level of miR-143 in visceral fat does not correlate with how well pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin, and its link to insulin resistance is mainly through how responsive tissues are to insulin, not through insulin production.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.