Potential Role of Glucose Transporters in Glucose Homeostasis: a Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: The GLUT2 (glucose transporter 2) is a glucose sensitive receptor gene found in the liver, pancreas, and sometimes in the CNS. The experiments conducted on the genetically modified mice revealed their role in the different regulatory mechanisms.

Objective: The current narrative review aims to elucidate the role of GLUT2 in glucose homeostasis.

Methods: The recent related articles were reviewed with the help of different databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer link, and Science direct. To ensure the credibility of data, articles published only in indexed journals were considered.

Results: In the liver (hepatocytes), it’s reported that there is an unsuspected glucose pathway (output) that is dependent on the membrane mechanism is in progress. In humans, due to the mutation in the GLUT2 gene, there is a syndrome known as “Fanconi–Bickel syndrome” which dictates a glycogen storage disease type 11 disease characterized by kidney and liver disorders.

Conclusion: It is concluded from the genome-wide association studies that the genetic mutations in GLUT2 result in an increased risk of high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and fasting hyperglycemia.