Does skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction cause insulin resistance?

Diabetes develops in one Australian every 5 minutes. It is associated with muscle damage of cellular components known as mitochondria. Emily’s PhD investigated this possible cause of diabetes, that previous scientific tools and knowledge have been insufficient to resolve. Using cell and mouse models, she aimed to determine if genetic changes to mitochondria could alter mitochondrial function and subsequently cause or protect against diabetes. Emily discovered that altering mitochondria affected muscle integrity and function in a dish but not in whole body models. Her findings led her to hypothesise that we are temporarily protected against diabetes by cellular stress responses.