New Insights into Glucose Transport and Diabetes Treatment

Context:

A recent study by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has uncovered how glucose transporter proteins malfunction in Type-2 diabetes, offering potential new therapeutic targets.

Role of Pancreatic Beta Cells

Beta cells in the pancreas regulate blood glucose by secreting insulin in response to glucose uptake.
Insulin facilitates glucose absorption into tissues, lowering blood sugar levels.

Glucose Transporters (GLUTs)

Proteins that mediate glucose entry into beta cells.
In humans, GLUT1 is the main transporter; in mice, it is GLUT2.
Transporters move to the beta cell surface during high glucose levels, enabling uptake and triggering insulin release.

New IISc Findings

The study highlights that in Type-2 diabetes, the cycling of GLUT transporters to the cell surface is disrupted.
This malfunction impairs glucose entry into beta cells, reducing insulin release.
Research used live-cell imaging to track GLUT1 and GLUT2 dynamics.

Therapeutic Significance

By targeting the pre-entry stage of glucose (before it enters beta cells), new drug interventions may be designed.
Understanding clathrin-mediated endocytosis (the process of GLUT cycling) opens avenues for therapeutic corrections in Type-2 diabetes.

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

Autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks pancreatic beta cells.
Results in no insulin production.
Exact cause is unknown; genetic predisposition plays a role.
Unknown exact cause.
Genetic factors (certain genes increase risk).
Slight influence of family history.
Can occur at any age but more common below 40 years.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Characterised by insulin resistance (body does not respond properly to insulin) or insufficient insulin production.
Linked to metabolic and lifestyle factors in addition to genetics.
Age: Risk increases with age, especially >40 years in Whites, >25 years in South Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean, Chinese communities.
Obesity/Overweight: Major factor but not the only one.
Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups at higher risk.
Family history increases susceptibility.
Socio-economic inequality also contributes.