Several observational studies have shown that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is lower in regions located high above sea level.
The reason has long remained unclear, as lifestyle, genetics, and access to healthcare may all play a role.
However, a study published in Cell Metabolism offers a potential mechanism that could help explain the phenomenon.
Researchers from the Gladstone Institutes examined how low oxygen levels affect the body’s handling of glucose.
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The findings suggest that red blood cells play a more active role in regulating blood sugar than previously assumed.
The hidden function of blood
Red blood cells are primarily known for transporting oxygen throughout the body. However, the study shows that under low-oxygen conditions, they absorb significantly more glucose from the bloodstream.
In experiments involving mice exposed to low oxygen levels comparable to conditions at high altitudes, blood sugar levels dropped rapidly.
At the same time, both the number of red blood cells and their ability to take up sugar increased.
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The researchers describe how changes in the cells’ transport proteins and metabolism enable them to consume more glucose.
This challenges the traditional view of red blood cells as passive oxygen carriers.
A possible path to treatment
The research team also tested an experimental compound, HypoxyStat, which affects hemoglobin’s binding to oxygen and mimics the effect of low oxygen levels.
In diabetic mouse models, it led to the normalization of elevated blood sugar levels.
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The findings open up new perspectives in diabetes treatment, which has so far focused primarily on insulin and muscle glucose uptake.
Mechanisms linked to oxygen levels and red blood cells could eventually serve as a complementary approach.
However, the researchers emphasize that the results are based on animal studies. It remains unclear how the effect will translate to humans, and clinical studies are necessary before the method can have practical significance.
Sources: Medical News Today, and Cell Metabolism.
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