A new scientific discovery could change the way we understand and treat type 2 diabetes.
A recent study of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Duke (USA), published in Science Advances, reveals that the alpha cells of the pancreas can also produce LPG-1, a key hormone in the regulation of blood glucose.
LPG-1 (peptide similar to glucagon 1) is a hormone that stimulates insulin release and helps to keep glucose levels stable.In fact, it is the same that imitate drugs well known as Ozempic.Until now it was believed that it only occurred in the intestine, but this work shows that the alpha cells of the pancreas can release LPG-1 directly in the bloodstream after meals.
What does this finding mean?
Alpha cells are more flexible than we thought: they can adjust their hormonal production to support beta cells (those responsible for producing insulin).
In experiments with mice, by blocking glucagon production, alpha cells increased the production of LPG-1, improving glucose control and further stimulating insulin.
LPG-1 seems to be a more powerful insulin stimulator than glucagon itself.
According to Dr. Jonathan Campbell, main author of the study: "GLP-1 is simply a much more powerful signal for beta cells than glucagon. The ability to change from glucagon to LPG-1 in times of metabolic stress can be crucial to maintain glycemia control."
This finding opens the door to new therapies: if the natural production of LPG-1 in the pancreas is safely stimulated, it could become a complementary or even alternative treatment to help people with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
In the forum we know how important these advances are, not only for what they mean in the investigation, but for the hope they contribute to millions of people living with diabetes.
What do you think?Do you think this route could be a more natural and less dependent alternative of external medication in the future?
Remember that in the book "Live with diabetes: the power of the online community"We talk about how science and community complement each other to improve our day to day. If you have not yet read it, we encourage you to give it to you or give it to you.