Two Birds with One Stone: Novel Glucokinase Activator Stimulates Glucose-Induced Pancreatic Insulin Secretion and Augments Hepatic Glucose Metabolism

The hormones glucagon and insulin delicately regulate the concentration of blood glucose. When patients become resistant to the effects of insulin or produce too little of it to properly regulate glucose concentrations, then diabetes can result. Unfortunately, not all patients with insulin-resistant, type 2 diabetes mellitus respond to drugs that improve insulin sensitivity. However, there is reason to be hopeful. A new molecule that targets glucokinase (GK), the enzyme responsible for phosphorylating glucose in pancreatic beta cells and hepatic cells, acts to significantly reduce blood glucose concentrations in rodents. The GK activator RO-28-1675 increased the glucose affinity and Vmax of GK, and rats treated with RO-28-1675 had improved glucose tolerance and elevated glucose uptake in liver. These results provide the basis for improved drug design that may alleviate diabetes mellitus and the disorders that accompany it in patients.