Small Molecule Activators of the Insulin Receptor: Potential New Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus

Edgardo      Laborde; Prasad      Manchem

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus refers to a spectrum of syndromes characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose in blood. These syndromes are associated with an absolute (Type 1 diabetes) or relative (Type 2 diabetes) deficiency of insulin, coupled with varying degrees of peripheral resistance to the actions of insulin. Clinical studies have shown that controlling hyperglycemia significantly reduces the appearance and progression of the vascular complications associated with diabetes.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus, glucose homeostasis, insulin receptor, insulin signaling, insulin resistance, insulin-receptor activation, insulin mimetic, small molecule insulin-receptor activator