Glucose metabolism partially regulates β-cell function through epigenomic changes

The β-cell relies predominantly on glucose utilization to generate adenosine triphosphate, which is crucial for both cell viability and insulin secretion. The β-cell has evolved remarkable metabolic flexibility to productively respond to shifts in environmental conditions and changes in glucose availability. Although these adaptive responses are important for maintaining optimal cellular function, there is emerging evidence that the resulting changes in cellular metabolites can impact the epigenome, causing transient and lasting alterations in gene expression. This review explores the intricate interplay between metabolism and the epigenome, providing valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms leading to β-cell dysfunction in diabetes. Understanding these mechanisms will be critical for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to preserve and enhance β-cell function, offering potential avenues for interventions to improve glycemic control in individuals with diabetes.