Type 2 diabetes is a widespread health condition that affects over 400 million people worldwide. It happens when the body can no longer properly regulate blood sugar levels, mainly because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin—the hormone that helps lower blood sugar.
For years, scientists have known that high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, plays a key role in damaging the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, known as beta-cells. But what exactly causes these cells to fail has remained a mystery—until now.
In a groundbreaking study from the University of Oxford, researchers have discovered that it’s not the sugar itself, but the way the body processes sugar that may be causing the damage. Specifically, the study shows that by-products of sugar processing—called glucose metabolites—are to blame for harming beta-cells in people with type 2 diabetes.
Here’s how it works: When you eat food, your body turns carbohydrates into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. In response, your pancreas releases insulin to help move the glucose into your cells for energy.
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas can still make insulin, but not enough, and the system that links sugar levels to insulin release becomes faulty. Over time, this leads to high blood sugar and further damage to the beta-cells.
The Oxford research, led by Dr. Elizabeth Haythorne and published in Nature Communications, found that when blood sugar stays high for long periods, it speeds up the rate of glucose metabolism in beta-cells.
This fast metabolism causes a traffic jam of chemical reactions, building up toxic by-products that interfere with the cells’ ability to release insulin. The researchers found that by slowing down this process, beta-cells were less likely to fail—even in the presence of high blood sugar.
This discovery is important because it opens the door to new treatments that focus on the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms. Instead of simply trying to lower blood sugar levels, future therapies might aim to protect beta-cells by adjusting how they process sugar. This could help slow down or even stop the progression of type 2 diabetes.
While researchers continue to explore new treatments, there are many proven ways to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or managing it effectively:
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective steps. Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can significantly lower your risk. Regular exercise is also key—activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can improve how your body uses insulin and help lower blood sugar.
A healthy diet plays a major role. Choosing whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein while cutting back on processed and sugary foods helps keep blood sugar steady. Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, sleeping well, and managing stress also help protect your body from diabetes.
For some people, lifestyle changes might not be enough. In those cases, doctors may prescribe medication such as metformin, which not only helps manage blood sugar but may also have protective effects on brain health.
Recent research has also suggested that natural products like pomace olive oil, honey, and blueberries may have health benefits for people at risk of diabetes or those already managing it.
The new findings from Oxford shed light on why some people develop type 2 diabetes despite efforts to eat well and stay active.
It reminds us that the disease is complex, and managing it may require a deeper understanding of how our cells work—not just lowering numbers on a test. But with discoveries like this, science is getting closer to more effective and personalized treatments, offering hope to millions affected by this condition.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that MIND diet may reduce risk of vision loss disease, and Vitamin D could benefit people with diabetic neuropathic pain.
For more information about diabetes, please see recent studies that Vitamin E could help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance in diabetes, and results showing eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
