Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP James L. Holly, M.D. Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP


EPM Tools - Progression to Diabetes - Glucotoxicity
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Glucose has been suggested to not only be a B-cell stimulant but to also potentially modify B-cell function in a deleterious manner.

  • This is known as “glucose toxicity” or “glucose desensitization.”

  • There is research evidence that glucose decreased B-cell response to secretagogues.

  • Balancing these findings are observations in humans that would suggest that glucose toxicity may not be a primary factor in the loss of B-cell function.

  • The UKPDS findings suggest that in the early stages of diabetes, glucose is unlikely to be a critical factor in determining       the progression of B-cell dysfunction.

  • The glucose toxicity effect is likely to occur later rather than earlier and may well contribute to B-cell dysfunction once this secretory abnormality is present.