Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025

A Method for Mouse Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Intracellular cAMP Determination
Published on: June 25, 2014
Islet Health, Hormone Secretion, and Insulin Responsivity with Low-Carbohydrate Feeding in Diabetes
Cassandra A A Locatelli1,2, Erin E Mulvihill1,2,3,4
1Energy Substrate Laboratory, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin Street, H-3229A, Ottawa, ON KIY 4W7, Canada.
Abstract:
Exploring new avenues to control daily fluctuations in glycemia has been a central theme for diabetes research since the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Carbohydrate restriction has re-emerged as a means to control type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), becoming increasingly popular and supported by national diabetes associations in Canada, Australia, the USA, and Europe. This approval comes from many positive outcomes on HbA1c in human studies; yet mechanisms underlying their success have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we discuss the preclinical and clinical studies investigating the role of carbohydrate restriction and physiological elevations in ketone bodies directly on pancreatic islet health, islet hormone secretion, and insulin sensitivity. Included studies have clearly outlined diet compositions, including a diet with 30% or less of calories from carbohydrates.
Related Concept Videos
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...

