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Nature 434, 965-966 (21 April 2005) | doi:10.1038/434965a; Published online 20 April 2005

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Metabolism:  A higher power for insulin

Fiona M. Gribble1

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Glucose output from the liver is tightly regulated by insulin. But insulin holds sway over more than the liver — an unappreciated circuit in glucose control involves the opening of ion channels in the brain.

Developed countries are currently witnessing a surge in the incidence of adult-onset (type 2) diabetes, driven by soaring levels of obesity. Insulin, the hormone that normally coordinates the disposal of glucose after a meal, becomes less effective in obesity, resulting in the high blood-glucose concentration that is the hallmark of diabetes.

  1. Fiona M. Gribble is at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2XY, UK.
    e-mail: Email: fmg23@cam.ac.uk

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