Diabetes is a widespread health condition affecting about 415 million people worldwide. Among these cases, nearly 90% are classified as Type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D occurs when the pancreatic beta-cells, which are responsible for producing insulin, fail to work properly.
Insulin is a vital hormone that helps lower blood sugar levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose. When this process is disrupted, blood sugar remains high, leading to serious health complications.
Traditionally, doctors have believed that high levels of glucose itself cause damage to these beta-cells. However, a new study from the University of Oxford, led by Dr. Elizabeth Haythorne and published in Nature Communications, challenges this long-held belief.
The research reveals that it is not glucose itself, but glucose metabolites—the substances produced when glucose is broken down—that are the main culprits in beta-cell failure.
In healthy individuals, when blood sugar levels rise after eating, the pancreas releases insulin to help bring those levels back down. For people with T2D, however, the pancreatic beta-cells gradually lose their ability to produce enough insulin. This is known as beta-cell failure. Until now, scientists were unsure exactly why this happened.
Dr. Haythorne’s team found that when blood sugar levels are high for long periods (a condition called chronic hyperglycemia), glucose metabolism speeds up too much. This rapid breakdown of glucose creates a bottleneck in the metabolic pathway, causing harmful byproducts to accumulate. These byproducts damage the beta-cells, making it harder for them to produce insulin.
The researchers conducted experiments on both human cells and animal models. They observed that when they slowed down the rate of glucose metabolism, the beta-cells were able to function better and produce more insulin.
This suggests that finding ways to control how quickly glucose is processed in the body might prevent or slow down beta-cell damage. This is a crucial discovery because it points to a new potential method for treating or even preventing T2D by targeting glucose metabolism instead of just lowering blood sugar.
The study also highlights the importance of keeping blood sugar levels stable, not just low. Both extremely high and low blood sugar levels can be dangerous. Insulin, produced by the pancreatic beta-cells, is the only hormone that can lower blood sugar effectively.
In T2D, beta-cells still exist, but they are weaker and cannot release insulin as they should. The connection between glucose and insulin release is broken, making it hard for the body to regulate blood sugar.
The findings of this research suggest that doctors might need to rethink how they treat T2D. Many current treatments focus on reducing blood sugar quickly, but this study shows that it’s also important to manage how glucose is processed in the body.
The hope is that future clinical trials will explore new medications that help slow down glucose metabolism, protecting beta-cells and improving insulin production. This could lead to better long-term outcomes for millions of people living with T2D.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in preventing and managing T2D. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk.
Studies show that losing even 5-10% of body weight can significantly lower the chances of developing T2D. Regular exercise also helps by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin and reducing blood sugar levels.
A healthy diet is equally important. Eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while avoiding sugary and highly processed foods can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are also crucial steps.
Research shows that smoking increases the risk of T2D, and excessive drinking can interfere with blood sugar regulation.
Getting enough sleep and managing stress are often overlooked but are essential for preventing T2D. Poor sleep habits and chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance and raise blood sugar levels. Finding ways to relax, such as through yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises, can help manage stress and keep blood sugar under control.
There are also natural ways to support better blood sugar control. For example, recent studies suggest that pomace olive oil may help lower blood cholesterol levels, and honey might aid in controlling blood sugar.
Additionally, blueberries have been found to benefit people with metabolic syndrome, a condition closely linked to T2D. Another study even suggests that the widely used diabetes drug metformin may reduce cognitive decline in older adults.
The University of Oxford study led by Dr. Haythorne is a breakthrough in understanding why beta-cells fail in people with T2D. It opens the door to new treatments that go beyond just lowering blood sugar to also protecting the cells that produce insulin. This could lead to better health outcomes for millions and provide new hope for those struggling with the disease.
If you care about blood sugar, please read studies about why blood sugar is high in the morning, and how to cook sweet potatoes without increasing blood sugar.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about 9 unhealthy habits that damage your brain, and results showing this stuff in cannabis may protect aging brain, treat Alzheimer’s.
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