Physiology of the pancreatic α-cell and glucagon secretion: role in glucose homeostasis and diabetes

[cure]

joe.endocrinology-journals....

Pancreatic α-cells and glucagon secretion are fundamental components of the regulatory mechanisms that control glucose homeostasis. However, α-cell physiology has remained elusive compared with the overwhelming information about insulin secretion and the β-cell. In recent years, however, several groups have initiated intensive efforts to understand α-cell physiology and identified essential pieces of its stimulus-secretion coupling. Additionally, important aspects of the regulation of α-cell metabolism and the control of glucagon expression are being elucidated. All of this information will favour an overall comprehension of the α-cell function and its role in glucose homeostasis. Nevertheless, more research is required to understand the α-cell behaviour, not only in healthy subjects but in pathological conditions as well. In conclusion, since the malfunction of the glucagon secretory response is involved in diabetes and its complications, a complete understanding of the α-cell will allow for a better design of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this disease.

[lfn1]

Herein lies why research is so important. Here is an area where there are many questions to be asked. If this area becomes funded, several tests and evaluations would have to take place under controlled conditions. It is a great idea, however, there are many initiatives, ideas and scientific questions to be asked about related or unrelated areas. This is looked at by an academic/science based committee and the most beneficial evaluations are scored and move forward for research funding. Those selected are then able to obtain funding and their processes begin. Simplicity concerning this process requires many steps. One of the most exciting talks to listen to would be a researcher who has been funded and hear their findings through their opportunity to explore and prove or work through their theory or course and actions taken to arrive at a success and how they found it. I just thought I would share my point of view from the experience hearing a few successful research ventures and being an informed audience participant.

[suramo Star]

cure

Too complicated article. Can't explain and so confused.

Glucose is the central substance. When it rises, insulin is secreted. When it drops glucagon, cortisol, adrenaline and other stress hormones are released to maintain blood sugar levels so that vital organs get enough glucose. I don't think glucagon et al are involved in pathogenesis of Diabetes. If that were the case, you, Hidden , Hidden , etc. would not have reversed their Diabetes by eating a low carb diet because glucagon will raise blood sugar according to the article.

I don't agree.

🙏.

Diabetes has a simple cause. Our body can't consume glucose because of ir due to some genetic defect which blunts insulin response. And the remedy is low carb / lchf diet. All other theories are not sound and perhaps an attempt to push something 🐒. A medication probably 😳

And once the reality is accepted by everybody - docs, ada aha ama and patients, then Diabetes would stop giving us pain. Health caretakers would advice empathetically lchf and patients would manage to take lchf. Simple pathophysiology. Simple remedy.

[Hidden in reply to suramo]

T2d is a complex hormonal disturbance

In addition to insulin resistance / deficiency it also has the component of Glucagon resistance & Leptin resistance

[cure Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Very correct suramo and Hidden Diabetes is very complicated...

So far Doctors and scientists are not able to understand what it is...

Even alpha cells becomes insulin resistant...

One thing we must always remember... even with LCHF diet...we do not have control over FBS...

As I always say...it is liver somewhere we must look in to...

[Hidden in reply to cure]

True

[suramo Star in reply to cure]

cure

Hidden

I beg to differ. If there are more causes there would be many complexities in D. I+G, I+L etc resistances.

α Cells are sensitive to low levels of glucose. Nothing to do with insulin or its sensitivity.

Fbs high because of dawn phenomenon. I think with the evolution and change in the lifestyle that phenomenon will get blunted like sleep phenomenon. Now a days we sleep late so we are feeling sleepy late but if someone has habit of going to bed early will feel sleepy early

Liver is not the master but a servant / security force that obeys its master - the brain and chemical changes in the body. All autonomous functions.

D is not at all complex or complicated.

[cure Administrator in reply to suramo]

and made further complicated???