Endo-diabetes: Researching for Answers

Camila Lubaczeuski, Postdoctoral Associate in endo-diabetes, reflects on her glucagon research.

With more than a million new cases of diabetes diagnosed annually, it is no wonder that the diabetes research community is vast. Camila Lubaczeuski is a member of this community, devoted to better understanding the factors that lead to diagnosis and subsequent treatment of the disease. Most efforts to understand the pathogenesis and therapy of this disease have focused on two major components: insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. However, another important component is glucagon, and this is the focus of Camila’s research.

Glucagon plays a vital role in maintaining glucose homeostasis as it is a hormone that promotes glucose production. As Camila explains, “In pathological conditions such as type 1 diabetes, glucagon secretion is dysregulated and plays a major role in the pathogenesis, or development, of hyperglycemia.” Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a major concern for diabetes patients, as it can lead to intensified responses such as higher risks of stroke, heart disease, and nerve problems. As researchers like Camila continue such experimentation and clinical trials, they bring us closer to improved treatments and the possibility of a cure.