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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

A Model of Chronic Nutrient Infusion in the Rat
Published on: August 14, 2013
Glycerate from intestinal fructose metabolism induces islet cell damage and glucose intolerance
Yanru Wu1, Chi Wut Wong2, Eric N Chiles3
1Department of Prosthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
Abstract:
Dietary fructose, especially in the context of a high-fat western diet, has been linked to type 2 diabetes. Although the effect of fructose on liver metabolism has been extensively studied, a significant portion of the fructose is first metabolized in the small intestine. Here, we report that dietary fat enhances intestinal fructose metabolism, which releases glycerate into the blood. Chronic high systemic glycerate levels induce glucose intolerance by slowly damaging pancreatic islet cells and reducing islet sizes. Our findings provide a link between dietary fructose and diabetes that is modulated by dietary fat.
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