The earliest study that used the term metabolic memory was in type I diabetes. Investigators in that study found that intensive glucose lowering reduces diabetic complications, including diabetic kidney disease. When intensive glucose lowering efforts stop, and the patient returns to usual care sugar control becomes worse again, but the patients who received a period of more aggressive early glucose lowering continue to have less trouble. They continue to have fewer complications. Metabolic memory means that prior aggressive glucose control has sustained benefits even after a return to more usual sugar management. Here is the key point. Short-lived high glucose swithches on genes that should be quiet and these changes in gene expression persist even when glucose returns to levels that are normal or near normal.
Thanks for your kind comment. There is a huge body of science that has not been translated for the benefit of patients. We seem to be focused on the next new thing instead of maximizing the application of the knowledge we already have discovered.
Fascinating!!
Thanks for your kind comment. There is a huge body of science that has not been translated for the benefit of patients. We seem to be focused on the next new thing instead of maximizing the application of the knowledge we already have discovered.