Bones or the skeleton is not just an inert calcified structure anymore. Surprisingly, it has been found to have a critically important novel function.

For the first time, researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have shown that the skeleton is an endocrine organ that helps control the body's sugar metabolism and weight.

Thus, is a key determinant of the development of type 2 diabetes.

According to the study's authors, as published in the August 10 issue of Cell:

The research, demonstrates that bone cells release a hormone called osteocalcin, which controls the regulation of blood sugar (glucose) and fat deposition through synergistic mechanisms previously not recognized.

Usually, an increase in insulin secretion is accompanied by a decrease in insulin sensitivity. Osteocalcin, however, increases both the secretion and sensitivity of insulin, in addition to boosting the number of insulin-producing cells and reducing stores of fat.

In this published research, authors show that an increase in osteocalcin activity prevents the development of type 2 diabetes and obesity in mice. This discovery potentially opens the door for novel therapeutic avenues for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes.

The most important thing in this research is the discovery that osteocalcin (a protein made only by bone-forming cells - osteoblasts) was not a mere structural protein, but rather a hormone with totally unanticipated and crucial functions - directing the pancreas' beta cells (which produce the body's supply of insulin) to produce more insulin and at the same time directing fat cells to release a hormone called adiponectin, which improves insulin sensitivity.

Yes, these findings will lead to whole new areas of research that will develop novel therapies for type 2 diabetes.

Source: Columbia University Medical Center