Type 2 Diabetes
Resetting the way we think about T2D
Understanding the metabolic system
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) condition that impacts over 35 million Americans and over 400 million people worldwide.1 Type 2 diabetes affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), a crucial source of energy for the body. In people with type 2 diabetes, the complex systems that regulate how our body takes in and uses glucose are not working correctly. This dysregulation results in an elevation of glucose in the blood which over time can lead to serious complications including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.
2.3x
higher medical costs for individuals with T2D versus those without diabetes3
5.9
different medications taken by individuals with T2D on average4
A1c
trends remain stagnant and below goal10
One of our body’s most important regulatory systems for controlling glucose is our gut, consisting of the intestines and stomach, where sugar enters our body. The small intestine, specifically the duodenum, is a critical part of the metabolic system. The duodenum regulates nutrient absorption, senses the presence and amount of nutrients, and sends out signals or hormones that allow us to absorb and store glucose throughout our bodies. Poor signaling in the duodenum and inflammation of duodenal tissue are key factors in improper glucose regulation and are critical factors leading to type 2 diabetes.
There are a variety of treatments for type 2 diabetes, including medications and lifestyle modifications that can be very effective in helping to control blood sugar levels. However, a therapy treating the root cause that could reset the mechanisms in the gut critical for the normal regulation of glucose metabolism in our bodies would be very desirable for helping to control blood sugar levels. This would allow people to avoid or reduce their dependence on drug-based therapies, enhance existing treatments, and potentially impact the progressive nature of the disease.