I amShivani Desai

Abstract: Management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) with existing strategies of lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions has gained limited success as evidenced by its uncontrolled progression. Two key organs which are involved in the pathophysiology of T2DM are the liver and pancreas, both are the derivatives of endoderm with a common precursor. In the invertebrates, the hepatopancreas performs the function of both the liver and pancreas. It is known that derangement in glycolysis, neoglucogenesis, and glycogenolysis lead to hyperglycemia in T2DM although insulin levels are high. Several studies have reported the implication of abnormal liver function in the development of metabolic syndrome i.e. T2DM. Partial hepatectomy has been shown to improve glycemic status in animal models of diabetes. This could be because the liver and pancreas share the same regenerating factors. These pieces of evidence suggest that abnormal liver status can impair pancreatic beta-cell function and survival along with peripheral insulin resistance. We, therefore, hypothesize that restoring deranged liver functions may aid in the better control and management of T2DM. If found true, it may shift the current intervention strategy towards the liver rather than the pancreas in the treatment of T2DM.

Journal: Medical Hypotheses