On the basis of the research conducted on genetically engineered mice, researchers of the Garvan Institute have found that the gene `ld1' is responsible for stimulating diabetes in the body.

The researchers found that the genre reacted to high calorie food in a positive way, thereby upsetting the production of insulin in pancreas, followed by giving way to the occurrence of diabetes. The gene was found to be extremely inactive in the body of those who were habituated of having healthy diet which mostly comprised of fruits and vegetables instead of fat.

The gene is highly active among those who consume high calorie food. Functioning of the gene has been found as the next-step to be taken by researchers in order to develop certain medicines that can block the action of genes on pancreas.

As per institute's Dr Ross Laybutt, "The drugs could help the beta cells continue to produce insulin and protect them from the effects of a high-fat diet". The researchers found at the laboratory that when the mice were given high calorie food, their ld1 gene stimulated the activities leading to diabetes. But, when the gene was blocked from reaction on high-fat food, their body turned resistant to the disease.