Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (838 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Pathological conditions in which the blood glucose cannot be maintained within the normal range, such as in hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Etiology of these disorders varies. Plasma glucose concentration is critical to survival for it is the predominant fuel for the central nervous system.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Disorder, Glucose Metabolism; Disorders, Glucose Metabolism; Metabolism Disorder, Glucose; Metabolism Disorders, Glucose; Glucose Metabolic Disorder; Glucose Metabolic Disorders; Disorder, Glucose Metabolic; Disorders, Glucose Metabolic.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Metabolic Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Diabetes Mellitus; Glycosuria; Hyperglycemia; Hyperinsulinism; Hypoglycemia
Related concepts
- Blood Glucose
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Central Nervous System
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 619,907 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Glucose Metabolism Disorders” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 169,166 of them (27.3%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2010-2019 with 200,406 records.
Reviews account for 95,752 records (15.4%) and meta-analyses for 11,544. Randomized controlled trials number 29,526 (4.8%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 135,090 |
| 2000-2009 | 115,245 |
| 2010-2019 | 200,406 |
| 2020 onward | 169,166 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 95,752 | 15.4% |
| Meta-analyses | 11,544 | 1.9% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 29,526 | 4.8% |
Method: PubMed query "Glucose Metabolism Disorders"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in metabolism and endocrine disease
Studies of diabetes, obesity and hormone disorders often follow blood tests such as glucose, HbA1c or hormone levels, which are stand-ins for outcomes that matter more, such as complications. Lifestyle and diet research is largely observational, and weight and diabetes trials can differ in how long people were followed. Nothing on this page is advice about medicines, insulin or diet; talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation. Check whether the outcome was a lab value or a clinical event, and the type and duration of the condition studied.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naringenin Attenuates Diabetic Cardiac Injury via SIRT1 Activation in Streptozotocin-Induced Rats | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 1 | cc by PMID 42852983 · DOI · PMC13651716 |
| Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on type 2 diabetes care among South Asians: the perspective of healthcare providers in British Columbia, Canada | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42912774 · DOI · PMC13693937 |
| Correlation between the thyrotropin-thyroxine resistance index and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with phlegm-dampness syndrome | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42857337 · DOI · PMC13650464 |
Naringenin Attenuates Diabetic Cardiac Injury via SIRT1 Activation in Streptozotocin-Induced Rats [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) lacks targeted therapies.
- Closing excerpt
- SIRT1 represents a promising target for flavonoid-based DCM therapy.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (240 words)
ObjectiveDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) lacks targeted therapies. This study investigated naringenin (NAR), a citrus flavonoid, in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model with cardiac complications, focusing on SIRT1-mediated mechanisms.MethodsRats (n = 8/group) included control, NAR, DCM, DCM + NAR, and DCM + NAR + EX-527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). After 8 weeks, metabolic profiles, cardiac function, histopathology, oxidative stress (Nuclear Factor Erythroid-Related Factor 2 [Nrf2], MDA, SOD, and GSH), inflammation (nuclear factor kappa B [NF-κB], TNF-α, and IL-6), apoptosis (Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3), fibrosis (transforming growth factor beta [TGF-β] and Smad2), and SIRT1 signaling were analyzed.ResultsNAR exhibited hypoglycemic effects, stimulated the release of insulin, and enhanced the lipid profile, thus maintaining the structural integrity of cardiomyocytes and preventing an increase in heart weight, while also restoring the histomorphology in DCM rats. Moreover, NAR influenced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; reduced serum levels of CK-MB, BNP, and troponin T; downregulated the activity of TGF-β, Smad2, and Caspase-3; and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Crucially, NAR upregulated SIRT1 and modulated the levels of Nrf2, NF-κB, Smad2, and Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FOXO1) in the cardiac tissues of the DCM group. These findings were associated with a significant reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, alongside diminished NF-κB activity, while promoting Nrf2 activity and Bcl-2. Importantly, the effects of NAR were counteracted by EX-527.ConclusionNAR protects against DCM primarily through SIRT1 activation, integrating hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic actions. SIRT1 represents a promising target for flavonoid-based DCM therapy.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42852983 · DOI · PMC13651716
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on type 2 diabetes care among South Asians: the perspective of healthcare providers in British Columbia, Canada [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundBritish Columbia is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Canada, with South Asians emerging as one of the fastest-growing ethnic minority groups, burdened by a high incidence of type 2 diabetes.
- Closing excerpt
- Bridging the digital divide and implementing targeted supports are essential to minimize care disruption for vulnerable populations during future pandemics or similar crises and ensure equity.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (340 words)
BackgroundBritish Columbia is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Canada, with South Asians emerging as one of the fastest-growing ethnic minority groups, burdened by a high incidence of type 2 diabetes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare services shifted to virtual care to minimize infection transmission. Given the limited understanding of how primary care physicians in BC adapted their diabetes care approaches and the consequent impact on patient experience, this qualitative study aims to explore the effects of pandemic-related control measures on primary care diabetes services in BC from the perspectives of general practitioners, focusing particularly on their South Asian patients.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with ten primary care physicians serving large South Asian patient populations. Interviews explored the pandemic's effects on care delivery, provider adaptations, and consequences for South Asian patients with diabetes. Sessions were held in person or via Zoom/Teams and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts underwent thematic content analysis to identify recurring themes and insights regarding barriers, adaptations, and recommendations to improve diabetes care.FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted diabetes care, shifting services to virtual care and interrupting routine monitoring. This transition impacted specific aspect of diabetes care that can best be provided in-person (e.g., foot examinations, blood pressure checks and lifestyle counselling). The pandemic compounded existing issues, e.g., cost, concerns with side effects, and medication compliance among South Asian patients. Physicians also observed a general rise in anxiety and depression during the pandemic among their patients. Older South Asian patients faced additional cultural, language, and digital barriers; physicians struggled to obtain timely Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) tests. For many patients, a significant reliance on pharmacists embedded within certain physician's clinics, ensured an uninterrupted access to diabetes medication and supplies.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic disrupted diabetes care, with some groups facing additional cultural, language, and digital barriers. Our findings highlight the need for primary care reforms: improved telemedicine and EMR infrastructure, and policies to support virtual care. Bridging the digital divide and implementing targeted supports are essential to minimize care disruption for vulnerable populations during future pandemics or similar crises and ensure equity.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42912774 · DOI · PMC13693937
Correlation between the thyrotropin-thyroxine resistance index and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with phlegm-dampness syndrome [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients classified as the phlegm-dampness syndrome typically suffer from metabolic dysfunction mainly driven by insulin resistance (IR).
- Closing excerpt
- Further prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and explore clinical relevance.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (258 words)
IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients classified as the phlegm-dampness syndrome typically suffer from metabolic dysfunction mainly driven by insulin resistance (IR). Indices evaluating thyroid hormone responsiveness have emerged as promising biomarkers for metabolic disease research. However, limited research has investigated the thyrotropin-thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI), a marker quantifying central pituitary thyroid sensitivity, in this distinct PCOS subgroup. This study aimed to explore the association between TT4RI and IR in PCOS patients with phlegm-dampness syndrome.MethodsWe enrolled 486 PCOS patients with complete baseline data in the present study. Among them, 264 patients were diagnosed with PCOS accompanied by phlegm-dampness syndrome. The 264 patients were further subdivided into two subgroups: with IR (n=208) and without IR (n=56), and clinical indicators were compared between the two subgroups. We evenly stratified the 264 phlegm-dampness syndrome PCOS patients into three groups to perform intergroup comparisons. Spearman's correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association. ROC curves were also employed to compare the discriminatory performance of TT4RI, thyroid-stimulating hormone index(TSHI), and FT3/FT4 in identifying insulin resistance in these patients(n=264). The sole primary outcome of this study was HOMA-IR.ResultsRelative to the subgroup without IR (n=56), the subgroup with IR (n=208) patients displayed significantly higher blood pressure, obesity-related anthropometric values, triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and TT4RI (PConclusionsAmong phlegm-dampness syndrome PCOS women, diminished central pituitary thyroid hormone sensitivity is associated with increased insulin resistance. Further prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and explore clinical relevance.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42857337 · DOI · PMC13650464
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores for the prediction of type 2 diabetes and complications in diverse ancestries [4]
- Research article Genetic analysis of circulating metabolic traits in 619,372 individuals [5]
- Research article GLP-1 agonists and changes in body mass and composition in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Oral health and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Rethinking hypercortisolism screening in obesity and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Association between diabetes mellitus and risk of Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review [9]
References
- Wang B, Zhang D, Zhang F, Meng X, Zhang L, Li Z, et al.. Naringenin Attenuates Diabetic Cardiac Injury via SIRT1 Activation in Streptozotocin-Induced Rats. . 2026. PMID 42852983 · DOI · PMC13651716
- Mahmood B, Hu J, Tang TS, Adu P, Naveed Z, Janjua NZ, et al.. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and control measures on type 2 diabetes care among South Asians: the perspective of healthcare providers in British Columbia, Canada. . 2026. PMID 42912774 · DOI · PMC13693937
- Liu Y, Zhang M, Wang Y, Lv X, Ma S, Yu J, et al.. Correlation between the thyrotropin-thyroxine resistance index and insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome patients with phlegm-dampness syndrome. . 2026. PMID 42857337 · DOI · PMC13650464
- Huerta-Chagoya A, Kim J, Mandla R, Lu Y, Suzuki K, Petty LE, et al.. Multi-ancestry polygenic risk scores for the prediction of type 2 diabetes and complications in diverse ancestries. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2026. PMID 42061389 · DOI · PMC13290298
- Tambets R, Jesse M, Kronberg J, van der Graaf A, Abner E, Võsa U, et al.. Genetic analysis of circulating metabolic traits in 619,372 individuals. Nature. 2026. PMID 42162431 · DOI · PMC13391353
- Sawicka-Gutaj N, Gruszczyński D, Nijakowski K, Derwich-Rudowicz A, Krenz M, Kumar A, et al.. GLP-1 agonists and changes in body mass and composition in adults with overweight or obesity with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). 2026. PMID 42034831 · DOI · PMC13461353
- Botelho J, Singh S, Varenne B, Rendell N, Harada Y, Proença L, et al.. Oral health and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health. 2026. PMID 42480567 · DOI
- Ferrari D, Bonaventura I, Tenuta M, Pofi R, Al Awadi F, Jamal HF, et al.. Rethinking hypercortisolism screening in obesity and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Metabolism. 2026. PMID 42289244 · DOI
- Wu J, Li J, Qin X, Chen W. Association between diabetes mellitus and risk of Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2026. PMID 41852471 · DOI · PMC12991972
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.