Innovative insights into the effects of a high‐sucrose diet on pancreatic health and the therapeutic role of empagliflozin in type 2 diabetes: An experimental study
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a growing global health issue, often aggravated by excessive sugar intake. Chronic high‐sucrose diets contribute to insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and pancreatic dysfunction, worsening metabolic health. Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, like empagliflozin, show potential in improving glycemic control and metabolic parameters, but their effects on pancreatic efficiency in sugar‐induced T2D are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the effects of empagliflozin on metabolic and pancreatic protection in a high‐sucrose diet‐induced T2D model. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal, normal‐treated, diabetic, and diabetic‐treated (n = 8 per group). Diabetes was induced with a 35% sucrose solution for 8 weeks, followed by a low‐dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Treated groups received empagliflozin (15 mg/kg/day) for the duration. Biochemical markers, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, insulin levels, and oxidative stress markers, were measured. Insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and pancreatic function (HOMA‐B) were assessed. Histological analysis of pancreatic tissues was performed. The high‐sucrose diet increased FBS, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress, while decreasing pancreatic function and islet diameter. Empagliflozin treatment lowered FBS (p = 0.001), improved insulin sensitivity (p = 0.001), reduced triglycerides (p = 0.001), and LDL (p = 0.05). It also enhanced antioxidant…
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