Therapeutic peptidomimetics in metabolic diseases

Understanding glucose homeostasis is critical to the study of both health and disease. In this chapter, we follow carbohydrates as they start their journey from a planned meal to food on the plate, through consumption and secretion. We focus on glucose transport from the gastrointestinal tract to the blood and from the blood and into cells, glucose storage and release, and glucose secretion. Special attention is given to diabetes, of which the prevalence has risen dramatically in countries of all income levels during recent years. We also describe current approaches to pharmaceutical management of diabetes, highlighting the roles of peptidomimetic molecules in the field.