Targeting the CNS to treat type 2 diabetes

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Darleen A Sandoval1, Silvana Obici, Randy J Seeley

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Genome Research Institute, University of Cincinnati, 2170 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237, USA.

Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|May 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The central nervous system (CNS) plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism and energy balance. Targeting CNS circuits offers new therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Metabolic Research
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Peripheral organs are key targets for type 2 diabetes therapies.
  • Emerging evidence highlights the central nervous system's (CNS) crucial role in glucose homeostasis.
  • Dysregulated CNS circuits are linked to impaired glucose regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the CNS in glucose metabolism.
  • To investigate the link between CNS circuits regulating energy balance and glucose levels.
  • To identify novel therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on CNS regulation of glucose homeostasis.
  • Analysis of evidence linking CNS circuits to metabolic dysfunction.
  • Identification of overlapping neural pathways for energy and glucose regulation.

Main Results:

  • The CNS is integral to orchestrating glucose metabolism.
  • Significant overlap exists between CNS circuits controlling energy balance and glucose levels.
  • Dysregulation in these overlapping circuits may link obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

  • The CNS represents a promising target for novel diabetes and obesity therapies.
  • Therapies targeting CNS circuits could simultaneously promote weight loss and improve glucose regulation.

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