Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Osmotic Minipump Implantation for Increasing Glucose Concentration in Mouse Cerebrospinal Fluid
Published on: April 7, 2023
Brain Defense of Glycemia in Health and Diabetes
Zaman Mirzadeh1, Chelsea Faber1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ.
Abstract:
The brain coordinates the homeostatic defense of multiple metabolic variables, including blood glucose levels, in the context of ever-changing external and internal environments. The biologically defended level of glycemia (BDLG) is the net result of brain modulation of insulin-dependent mechanisms in cooperation with the islet, and insulin-independent mechanisms through direct innervation and neuroendocrine control of glucose effector tissues. In this article, we highlight evidence from animal and human studies to develop a framework for the brain's core homeostatic functions-sensory/afferent, integration/processing, and motor/efferent-that contribute to the normal BDLG in health and its elevation in diabetes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Overview of Carbohydrate Metabolism
Glucose transport into cells is facilitated by a family of transport proteins called GLUT (Glucose Transporters). GLUT4 is the primary glucose transporter for insulin-stimulated glucose...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

