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Review Article
Mechanisms of Disease
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Volume 341:248-257 July 22, 1999 Number 4
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Glucose Transporters and Insulin Action — Implications for Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Mellitus
Peter R. Shepherd, Ph.D., and Barbara B. Kahn, M.D.

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Insulin was discovered more than 75 years ago, but only recently have we begun to understand the mechanisms by which insulin promotes the uptake of glucose into cells. This review discusses recent advances, their contribution to our understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, and their implications for the design of new therapies to prevent and treat diabetes and its complications.

Role of Glucose Transporters in Maintaining Glucose Homeostasis

Carbohydrates, and glucose in particular, are an important source of energy for most living organisms. Tissues such as the brain need glucose constantly, and low blood concentrations of glucose can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and death. However, prolonged . . . [Full Text of this Article]

Molecular Mechanisms of Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake

Possible Causes of Resistance to the Stimulatory Effects of Insulin on Glucose Transport

Mutations in Glucose Transporters

Tissue-Specific Alterations in GLUT-4 Production

Defects in the Intracellular Translocation of GLUT-4

Defects in Signaling Pathways

Impairment of Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Transport by Circulating or Paracrine Factors

            Free Fatty Acids

            Glucose Toxicity and the Hexosamine Pathway

            Tumor Necrosis Factor {alpha}

Non–Insulin-Mediated Stimulation of Glucose Uptake in Muscle and Fat

Exercise

Nitric Oxide and Bradykinin

Insulin-Like Growth Factors

C Peptide

Leptin

Thyroid Hormone

Effects of Drug Therapy of Diabetes on Glucose Transport

Sulfonylureas

Biguanides

Thiazolidinediones

Conclusions


Source Information

From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University College London, London (P.R.S.); and the Diabetes Unit, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston (B.B.K.).

Address reprint requests to Dr. Kahn at the Diabetes Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 99 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

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