An analysis published today in The Journal of Clinical Investigation explains how leptin affects the brain and how it might be used in future therapeutics. 

DKA happens when the body is unable to make insulin and begins to break down fat for fuel. This can lead to a life-threatening buildup of sugar (glucose) and ketoacids in the blood. Doctors have typically administered insulin to address the complication, authors noted. 

But evidence now shows that, when insulin is insufficient, the brain plays a key role in  driving DKA, according to the new analysis, based in literature and research that includes studies conducted at UW Medicine since 2011.  

Novel imaging research indicates that young adults with a higher genetic risk for depression showed less brain activity in several areas when responding to rewards and punishments. The study also uncovered notable differences between men and women. The findings from this new study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, published by Elsevier, highlight potential early indicators for depression before clinical symptoms fully manifest.