Skip to main content

Glucotoxicity

Meaning

Glucotoxicity is a clinical term describing the deleterious effects exerted on cells and tissues by chronic exposure to elevated concentrations of glucose, independent of other metabolic derangements. This sustained hyperglycemia is a primary driver of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, contributing to the progression of insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Glucotoxicity can impair the function of various organ systems, including the vascular endothelium and peripheral nerves, leading to long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. Effective management of blood glucose levels is paramount to mitigate this systemic cellular damage.