Understanding the Role of Energy Homeostasis in Diabetes

Introduction

The prevalence of diabetes and obesity has been on the rise for several decades and research has demonstrated that other parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system and kidneys, can be affected by diabetes. The key to understanding the relationship between diabetes and these other areas begins with the role of energy homeostasis in diabetes. At the same time, investigators are utilizing various biomarkers that have been shown to help further diabetes and obesity research.

The key to understanding the relationship between diabetes and these other areas begins with the process of energy homeostasis and the important biomarkers used in today’s research.

Role of Energy Homeostasis in Diabetes

Energy homeostasis is a well-regulated process that depends on the coordination between feeding behavior and energy expenditure. The control of energy homeostasis in humans has received much attention in recent years due to alterations caused by the onset of conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

A variety of organs tightly control energy homeostasis including the:

• Pancreas
• Stomach
• Intestine
• Brain
• Liver

The Importance of the Pancreas

The pancreas is one of the most important organs involved in maintaining energy homeostasis because it is responsible for the secretion of insulin and glucagon. Insulin and glucagon are two counter regulatory hormones that control the systemic concentration of glucose, a metabolic intermediate used by cells as the primary source of energy. If glucose homeostasis is thrown off balance, a diabetic state develops.

What is Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D, Juvenile Diabetes)

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease that results in the destruction of β-cells in the pancreas¹. With the destruction of β-cells, the body cannot produce enough insulin to maintain energy homeostasis.  Onset of type 1 diabetes typically occurs in children and young adults¹.

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D, Adult Onset Diabetes, Noninsulin Dependent Diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body has built up a resistance to insulin, causing glucose levels in the body to increase by preventing glucose uptake into cells¹. Onset of type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adults¹.

Diabetes and Obesity Biomarkers Making a Difference in Research

Research in diabetes and obesity is more important than ever. Obesity in the US continues to increase at alarming rates. Diabetes is closely related to obesity, so the increase in obesity has had an impact on the number of people with diabetes.

Several biomarkers are making a difference in diabetes and obesity research. These biomarkers include: proinsulin, C-peptide, adiponectin, glucagon like peptide-1, and glucagon. Research groups have been working diligently to expand the knowledge of these markers.

Proinsulin (PI, PIN)

Proinsulin is a precursor molecule of insulin (INS) and C-peptide (CP) that is synthesized by pancreatic ß-cells within the Islets of Langerhans^2,3,4. Measuring proinsulin is a window into β-cell function^5,6.

C-peptide

C-peptide is the amino acid sequence linking the A and B chains of the proinsulin molecule together and its secretion can be linked to β-cell response to glucose^7,8,9.

Adiponectin (ADP)

Adiponectin is a 244 amino acid protein exclusively secreted from adipose (fat) cells and is very abundant in plasma (~5-10 μg/mL)^10,11. This “adipocytokine” is a strong indicator of insulin sensitivity and resistance¹².

Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)

GLP-1 is produced in intestinal L-cells in response to food and is well conserved across species. The peptide has many physiological effects on the body including influencing insulin secretion¹³.

Glucagon

Glucagon is produced by α-cells in the pancreas in response to low circulating glucose¹⁴ and is essential for the maintenance of normal blood glucose in diabetes¹⁵.

Summary

Understanding the role of energy homeostasis in diabetes is essential to understanding the disease. The pancreas has the important role of maintaining this energy balance in the body. Diabetes develops when there is a disruption of energy homeostasis and the form of the disease depends on how the imbalance occurs. The biomarkers discussed here are helping researchers to further understand energy imbalances and diabetes.

The Common Denominator is a three part eBook series reviewing diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney complications associated with diabetes, as well as important biomarkers that have become useful in researching these areas. Part I: Energy Homeostasis reviews the principles behind the development of diabetes and emerging biomarkers being used in today’s research.

Download eBook

References

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