Peripheral Innervation in the Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis

Precise regulation of circulating glucose is crucial for human health and ensures a sufficient supply to the brain, which relies almost exclusively on glucose for metabolic energy. Glucose homeostasis is coordinated by hormone-secreting endocrine cells in the pancreas, as well as glucose utilization and production in peripheral metabolic tissues including the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Glucose-regulatory tissues receive dense innervation from sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory fibers. In this review, we summarize the functions of peripheral nerves in glucose regulation and metabolism. Dynamic changes in peripheral innervation have also been observed in animal models of obesity and diabetes. Together, these studies highlight the importance of peripheral nerves as a new therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.

Automated summary

Precision regulation of circulating glucose is crucial for human health, with peripheral nerves playing a key role in glucose homeostasis and metabolism. Studies have shown dynamic changes in peripheral innervation in obesity and diabetes animal models, highlighting the potential of peripheral nerves as a new therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.