Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate blood glucose levels, with an estimated 415 million people worldwide living with the disease.
Around 90% of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes (T2D), which is characterized by the failure of pancreatic beta-cells to produce insulin.
Recently, a study from the University of Oxford found that glucose metabolites, rather than glucose itself, play a key role in the progression of T2D.
In diabetes, pancreatic beta-cells fail to release enough of the hormone insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels.
Chronic hyperglycemia leads to a progressive decline in beta-cell function. However, until now, what exactly causes beta-cell failure in T2D has remained unclear.
The study found that a glucose metabolite, not glucose itself, is responsible for damaging pancreatic beta-cell function.
Specifically, the study showed that chronic hyperglycemia causes beta-cell failure by driving glucose metabolism too quickly.
Importantly, the researchers also found that slowing the rate of glucose metabolism could prevent beta-cell failure caused by chronic hyperglycemia.
This finding suggests a potential way in which the decline in beta-cell function in T2D might be slowed or prevented.
The blood glucose concentration is tightly regulated in the body, as both low and high levels can lead to dangerous complications.
Insulin, released from pancreatic beta-cells when blood glucose levels rise, is the only hormone that can lower the blood glucose concentration.
In T2D, the beta-cells are still present but have a reduced insulin content and the coupling between glucose and insulin release is impaired.
The study’s findings are important because they provide insight into the root cause of beta-cell failure in T2D.
High blood glucose levels cause an increased rate of glucose metabolism in the beta-cell, leading to a metabolic bottleneck and the pooling of upstream metabolites.
By slowing the rate of glucose metabolism, it may be possible to prevent the failure of beta-cells to release insulin in T2D.
The study was conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Haythorne et al and published in Nature Communications.
It sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of T2D, which could lead to new treatment options for the millions of people living with the disease.
There are several lifestyle changes that can help prevent type 2 diabetes:
Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can help reduce this risk.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower blood glucose levels.
Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating a diet that is low in processed and sugary foods, and rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
Avoid smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation (1-2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women) is generally safe, but excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Get enough sleep: Poor sleep habits and a lack of sleep have been linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise or relaxation techniques, can help reduce this risk.
It’s important to note that while these lifestyle changes can help prevent type 2 diabetes, they may not be enough for everyone. Some people may still need medication or other medical interventions to manage their blood glucose levels.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that pomace olive oil could help lower blood cholesterol, and honey could help control blood sugar.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that blueberries strongly benefit people with metabolic syndrome, and results showing widely used diabetes drug metformin may reduce cognitive decline.
The study was conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Haythorne et al and published in Nature Communications.
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