Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified overactive chemoreceptors linked to oxygen sensing as a contributing factor in type 2 diabetes. Their investigation of hyperoxia, or elevated oxygen levels, revealed that while it reduced chemoreceptor activity and improved certain cardiovascular metrics—like heart rate and blood pressure—it did not enhance glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in individuals with diabetes. The study involved 17 participants with type 2 diabetes and 20 control subjects, revealing that the peripheral chemoreceptors were overactive in those with higher blood sugar levels. Jacqueline Limberg, the lead author, suggested that high doses of oxygen could potentially "shut off" these overactive cells, improving health outcomes without necessitating their complete removal. Co-author Camila Manrique-Acevedo emphasized that initial findings indicate a single exposure to hyperoxia does not immediately lead to metabolic improvements. This understanding allows researchers to shift their focus toward alternative therapies that may offer better benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study underlines the complexities of metabolic function and the potential for targeted treatments based on cellular activity linked to cardiovascular health and diabetes. The findings were published in The Journal of Physiology.
