Diabetes Health in the News Podcast: Could Fructose Lead to Treatment Options?
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A recent study investigated how fruit sugar, or fructose, is absorbed from the blood into the body’s cells. Fructose is a primary dietary sugar, and when consumed in fruits, vegetables, and honey, it tends to be harmless. Unfortunately, when fructose is added to sugary drinks or frozen meals, it will affect the brain differently.
Researchers used X-ray technology to examine the protein GLUT5 and how it transports fructose via the cell membranes. It was found that when GLUT5 activity is altered, it can be linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. By better understanding how fructose is transported into the cells, it is possible that new treatments for diabetes, obesity, and even cancer can be developed.
These findings were published in Nature on September 30, 2015.
