Leptin receptor signaling is required for intact hypoglycemic counterregulation: A study in male Zucker rats

Hypoglycemia is a major barrier to clinical management of persons with diabetes. Emerging evidence supports a role for leptin in gating hypoglycemic counterregulation. This work demonstrates that male leptin receptor null, Zucker (fa/fa), rats display severe impairments in hypoglycemic counterregulation. Thus, augmenting leptin levels may have clinical utility for preventing hypoglycemia.

Automated summary

Hypoglycemia poses a significant challenge in the clinical management of diabetes. Recent evidence suggests a role for leptin in regulating hypoglycemic counterregulation, with potential clinical utility in preventing hypoglycemia.