Michigan, Feb. 9 -- Mitochondria are responsible for creating energy, which fuels cells and keeps them functioning. However, mitochondrial abnormalities have been linked to the development of disorders like type 2 diabetes. Patients with this illness are unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin produced by their pancreas to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Researchers at the University of Michigan used mice to show that dysfunctional mitochondria trigger a response that affects the maturation and function of b-cells.

Several studies have shown that insulin-producing pancreatic b-cells of patients with diabetes have abnormal mitochondria and are unable to generate energy. Yet, these studies were unable to explain why the ce...