Clinical Fellowship

Institution:

University of Newcastle

Recipient:

Dr B. Ravikumar

Project:

Is the abnormal postprandial suppression of hepatic glucose production in type 2 diabetes reversible by decreasing intrahepatic triglyceride stores?

Summary:

The liver usually produces glucose as needed by the body.
This production is normally stopped after meals.
However, in type 2 diabetes, the liver fails to stop producing glucose and this adds to the glucose absorbed from food, causing higher blood glucose levels.
Previous research has shown that the impaired regulation of glucose controlling hormones (insulin and glucagon) and excess fat stored in the liver are responsible for this increased glucose production.
We aim to investigate the relative importance of the hormones and the hepatic fat content on the regulation of glucose production.
By using a combination of tablets to reduce hepatic fat content, we will examine whether this reduces glucose production.
In a separate study, we will use an experimental hormone infusion to normalise the glucose controlling hormones and study its effect on glucose production.
Finally, the effect of these factors will be examined in people with impaired glucose tolerance, a condition that precedes the development of overt diabetes.

Amount:

£100,000