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Michael W. Schwartz1,2* and
Daniel Porte, Jr.1,3,4
Recent evidence suggests a key role for the brain in the controlof both body fat content and glucose metabolism. Neuronal systemsthat regulate energy intake, energy expenditure, and endogenousglucose production sense and respond to input from hormonaland nutrient-related signals that convey information regardingboth body energy stores and current energy availability. Inresponse to this input, adaptive changes occur that promoteenergy homeostasis and the maintenance of blood glucose levelsin the normal range. Defects in this control system are implicatedin the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes.
1 Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98110, USA. 2 Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98110, USA. 3 Division of Metabolism, Diabetes and Endocrinology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92161, USA. 4 Division of Metabolism, Diabetes and Endocrinology, VA San Diego Health Care System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: mschwart{at}u.washington.edu
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