Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 14, 2025

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19
06:46

A High-Throughput Multiplexed Screening for Type 1 Diabetes, Celiac Diseases, and COVID-19

Published on: July 5, 2022

3.0K

Intestinal SGLT1 as a therapeutic target in COVID-19-related diabetes: A "two-edged sword" hypothesis

Theocharis Koufakis1, Symeon Metallidis2, Pantelis Zebekakis1,2

  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Center, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.

British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|March 8, 2021
PubMed

Insights

New research suggests coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may increase diabetes risk by affecting gut glucose absorption via Sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1). Dual SGLT inhibition is proposed for further study.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Emerging evidence links coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to new-onset diabetes.
  • The pathophysiology of COVID-19-induced diabetes has primarily focused on the pancreas, liver, and adipose tissue, neglecting the gut.
  • Sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1) in the small intestine regulates glucose absorption.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the potential role of the gut, specifically SGLT1, in COVID-19-associated diabetes.
  • To investigate the hypothesis that SGLT1 upregulation in COVID-19 could increase intestinal glucose absorption and lead to hyperglycemia.
  • To evaluate the potential therapeutic benefit of dual SGLT (1 and 2) inhibition in managing COVID-19-related hyperglycemia.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on COVID-19, diabetes, and glucose metabolism.
  • Analysis of the role of SGLT1 in intestinal glucose absorption.
  • Hypothetical evaluation of dual SGLT inhibition as a therapeutic strategy.

Main Results:

  • SGLT1 upregulation, similar to diabetes and other viral infections, may increase intestinal glucose absorption in COVID-19 patients.
  • This increased absorption could contribute to hyperglycemia and the development of new-onset diabetes.
  • Dual SGLT inhibition presents a potential, yet unevaluated, therapeutic avenue.

Conclusions:

  • The gut's role in COVID-19-induced diabetes, particularly via SGLT1, warrants further investigation.
  • Dual SGLT inhibition is a potential strategy for managing hyperglycemia in COVID-19, but requires careful evaluation.
  • Future research must weigh the benefits of dual SGLT inhibition against risks like euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis and gastrointestinal side effects.
Keywords:
COVID-19SGLT1SGLT2diabetes

More Related Videos

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Mice using Surgical Clips05:16

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Mice using Surgical Clips

Published on: November 14, 2020

7.0K
An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds06:09

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds

Published on: April 23, 2018

10.9K

Related Concept Videos

Glucose Transporters01:27

Glucose Transporters

Glucose transporters facilitate the transport of glucose across the cell membrane. In addition to glucose, some glucose transporters can also aid the movement of other hexoses such as fructose, mannose, and galactose.
Facilitated diffusion-glucose transporters (GLUTs) are encoded by the solute-linked carrier (SLC) family 2, subfamily A gene family, or SLC2A. The 14 GLUT protein members are distributed into three classes:
26.6K
Secondary Active Transport01:55

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
133.7K
Secondary Active Transport01:32

Secondary Active Transport

One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
8.7K
Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine01:26

Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine

Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...
33.7K
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
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...
567
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors01:23

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is a serine protease widely distributed in the body. It's involved in the inactivation of GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which are crucial for insulin regulation. DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin (Januvia), saxagliptin (Onglyza), linagliptin (Tradjenta), alogliptin (Nesina), and vildagliptin (Galvus), help increase the proportion of active GLP-1, enhancing insulin secretion. These inhibitors work by competitively binding to DPP-4. This binding causes a...
338