Impact of Dietary Sugars on β-Cell Function

Abstract

Regular consumption of dietary sugars can cause significant damage to the β-cells. Almost a century after the discovery of insulin, it has been suggested that the frequent consumption of certain carbohydrates can damage pancreatic β-cells, causing disturbances in the regulation of insulin secretion. Most noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension have a common origin, metabolic dysfunction, which is partly due to β-cell malfunction. In this article, we believed that sugars can lead to an imbalance in cellular metabolism, causing insulin exocytosis to dangerously increase or decrease blood insulin concentrations. In this study, we describe the major mechanism of insulin secretion and discuss the effects of sugar on pancreatic β-cells. Although many environmental factors strongly influence β-cells, occidental diet, including excess sugar, has been found to be the predominant factor that kills or disrupts the functioning of the unique cells that produce, store, and secrete insulin.

Keywords

• pancreatic β-cell
• insulin
• diet
• type 2 diabetes
• sugar consumption