• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.202-208
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• 2004

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic derangement with hyperglycaemia being the most characteristic symptom of diabetes. Hyperglycaemia can be caused by an increase in the rate of glucose production by the liver or by a decrease in the rate of glucose use by peripheral tissues. Impaired glucose transport is one of the major factors contributing to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. The ability of insulin to mediate tissue glucose uptake is a critical step in maintaining glucose homeostasis and in clearing the post-prandial glucose load. Glucose transport is mediated by specific carriers called glucose transporters (GLUTs). In this article, the functional importance and molecular mechanisms of insulin-induced glucose transport and development of hypoglycaemic agents which increase glucose transport are reviewed.