The key to treating type 2 diabetes and its complications may come in the form of a vitamin A derivative, according to a new study. Researchers from the University of Montreal and CHUM Research Centre recently discovered the potential of using retinoic acid, RA, a vitamin A derivative, to help treat obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related cardiovascular complications.

The researchers presented their findings on June 6, 2014, at the Annual Conference of the Canadian Nutrition Society in Saint John’s, Newfoundland.

Daniel-Constantin Manolescu, the study’s first author, said in a statement, “In obese and insulin resistant mice, retinoic acid reduces the risk of cardiac apoptosis, stimulates the expression of cardio-protective genes reduced by the disease, and protects against the accumulation of collagen in the cardiac muscle, thus avoiding the occurrence of fibrosis and possible associated future complications.” Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that can occur in multicellular organisms. He continued, “Blood glucose, insulin resistance, body weight, and adipocyte size were significantly decreased in treated animals, including abdominal fat, while dietary intake and physical activity were similar for treated or non-treated animals. This suggests an increase in basal energy expenditure.”

According to the National Institutes of Health, vitamin A helps to form and maintain healthy teeth, skin, skeletal and soft tissue, and mucus membranes, and also promotes good vision.