Glucose and fat sensing in the human hypothalamus
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Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Membrane Potential Dye Imaging of Ventromedial Hypothalamus Neurons From Adult Mice to Study Glucose Sensing
Published on: November 27, 2013
1Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Energy balance is centrally regulated by the brain through several interacting neuronal systems involving external, peripheral, and central factors within the brain. The hypothalamus integrates these factors and is the key brain area in the regulation of energy balance. In this review, we will explain the structure of the hypothalamus and its role in the regulation of energy balance. An important part of energy balance regulation is the sensing of nutrient status and availability. This review will focus on the sensing of the two main sources of energy by the hypothalamus: glucose and fat. As many common health problems and chronic diseases can be traced back to a disrupted hypothalamic function, we will also discuss hypothalamic sensing of glucose and fats in these pathologies. Finally, we will summarize the current knowledge and discuss how this may be applied clinically and for future research perspectives.
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