Dietary sugars and carbohydrate metabolism in type II diabetes

Diabetes, the most common metabolic disease, is responsible for the deaths of over 300,000 Americans annually. The incidence of the disease increases with age and since the U.S. population is graying, prevalence is also increasing. Obesity and family history are strong predictors of diabetes. The etiology of Type II diabetes is heterogeneous. The hyperglycemia of Type II diabetes can result from a variety of metabolic defects including impaired beta cell secretion, receptor deficiencies, or abnormal hepatic production or uptake of glucose. Other glucoregulatory hormones such as glucagon, growth hormone, cortisol, thyroid hormones, somatostatin, and gastric inhibitory polypeptide may contribute to the aberrations of carbohydrate metabolism. Environmental factors including stress, diet, and exercise may also contribute to the disease. Since most diabetics are obese, weight loss should be the first priority in improving status. A variety of diet and exercise regimens may help achieve this goal or even improve glucose control without weight loss. Due to the heterogeneity of the disease individualized treatment must be used to improve status of patients with the various metabolic defects of Type II diabetes.