A surprising biological adaptation seen in people living at high altitudes could pave the way for innovative diabetes therapies, according to new research.
Diabetes rates are notably lower among populations residing in low-oxygen, high-altitude regions compared to those at sea level. Scientists have now uncovered a potential reason: under low-oxygen conditions, red blood cells reprogram their metabolism to absorb excess glucose from the bloodstream, effectively acting as “glucose sponges.”
The findings, published in Cell Metabolism, show that in oxygen-poor environments—such as high mountains—red blood cells take up significantly more glucose. This provides them with additional energy to transport oxygen more efficiently throughout the body while simultaneously lowering blood sugar levels.
In earlier experiments, researchers observed that mice exposed to low-oxygen air had dramatically reduced blood glucose levels after meals.
Initially, researchers examined organs such as the muscle, brain and liver but found no explanation for the rapid glucose clearance. They ultimately identified red blood cells as the primary “glucose sink”—a term describing tissues that draw large amounts of glucose from circulation.
Mice in low-oxygen conditions not only produced more red blood cells but also generated cells that absorbed more glucose than those formed under normal oxygen levels.
Building on this discovery, the team developed an experimental drug called HypoxyStat, designed to mimic low-oxygen effects by causing hemoglobin to bind oxygen more tightly. In diabetic mice, the drug fully reversed high blood sugar levels and outperformed existing medications in laboratory comparisons.
The researchers believe this approach could redefine diabetes treatment strategies by harnessing red blood cells as metabolic regulators rather than focusing solely on insulin pathways.
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