Overexpression of GLUT2 gene in renal proximal tubules of diabetic Zucker rats

Renal tubular reabsorption of glucose is substantially increased in humans and rats with diabetes mellitus. The influx of luminal glucose is mediated by Na+/glucose cotransporter system and glucose efflux from tubules to interstitium by facilitative glucose transporters (GLUT). In Zucker diabetic rats, GLUT2 protein levels of renal proximal tubules were higher than in control litter mates: 9.67 +/- 1.95 versus 4.72 +/- 1.55 (P = 0.0073). In the same proximal tubules, diabetes was associated with minor decreases in GLUT1 protein levels: 1.96 +/- 0.37 for diabetics and 2.37 +/- 0.34 for controls (P = 0.12). Na+/glucose cotransporter system protein levels were similar in both groups, whereas Na+/K+ ATPase levels were slightly decreased in diabetic rats, but the difference was not statistically significant. In this report, it is suggested that in long-term uncontrolled diabetes, GLUT2 transporters are overexpressed in renal tubules. This adaptation promotes low-affinity, high-capacity glucose efflux. The higher number of high K(m) GLUT2 ensures that glucose reabsorption is increased by promoting glucose efflux, which could be rate-limiting in the face of hyperglycemia.