Mechanisms and consequences
The glucose transporters SWEETs is a relatively recent discovery about which not much is known. The SWEETs are predominantly found in plants, and the only known human transporter is SWEET1.
The primary function of glucose is as a key energy source for physiological function. Many organs can derive energy from fats and proteins in times of glucose shortage, however the brain is fully dependent upon glucose as its energy source.
Three families of glucose transporters have now been identified and each family has distinct physiological functions and working mechanisms –
1. GLUTs (glucose transporters) – sodium-independent glucose transporters. Refer Glucose Transporters (GLUTs);
2. SGLTs(sodium glucose linked transporters) – sodium-dependent glucose cotransporters;
3.SWEETs (sugars will eventually be exported transporters) – uniporter ie membrane transporter that passively transports glucose across cell membranes.
Isoform
SWEET1
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Yvonne Coleman has 30+ years of experience in aged care as a dietitian. Her mission is to make information about interactions between medicines and nutrition easy to access for those working in the healthcare sector. She has created a comprehensive resource identifying drug-nutrient and drug-food interactions from a nutrition perspective.
Her areas of competency include food science & nutrition, dietetics and health education. You can find out more about her work on LinkedIn, AusMed, the Enlightened Pharmacist podcast, and The FX Medicine Podcast.
