[Is the regulation of prandial glucose important in type 2 diabetes?]

Blood glucose reaches its highest concentration during the post-prandial period, exposing type 2 diabetic patients to high risks for cellular and tissular damage, as shown by numerous experimental data obtained on tissue cultures and as evidenced by chronic hyperglycemia-induced complications in type 2 diabetic patients. Glucose is the main physiological energy supplier in both animal and vegetal reigns and stands as an indispensable nutrient for the maintenance of life. Its toxicity may look paradoxical, but also characterizes most other cell energy sources, i.e., oxygen, carbon oxide, fatty acids or amino acids. Glucose reactive properties are being used in plasma glucose concentration and non enzymatic glycosylation assays. Most attention in type 2 diabetes care is currently focused on the deleterious effects of post-prandial hyperglycemia peaks on endothelium, as shown in vitro. Current approaches aim at restoring physiological post-prandial insulinemia profile.