SMAD3 and hyperlipidemia: We have previously reported that deletion of Smad3 from db/db mice (Smad3 KO‐db/db) completely protects against the development of the type‐2 diabetic phenotype including the obesity, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and importantly, the glucose intolerance and insulin resistance by largely improving islet β‐cell functions.19