Low oxygen turns red blood cells into natural glucose sponges, study reveals

A new study by the Gladstone Institutes has uncovered a surprising link between oxygen levels and blood sugar control. Researchers found that low-oxygen conditions trigger red blood cells to absorb glucose, acting like a natural 'sponge' for excess sugar. The discovery could explain why people living at high altitudes tend to have lower diabetes rates—and may lead to new treatments for the disease.

The study began with mice exposed to air with reduced oxygen. Their blood glucose levels dropped significantly compared to those in normal conditions. Further investigation revealed that red blood cells were responsible: in low-oxygen environments, they altered their metabolism to take in more glucose from the bloodstream.

This process also produced a molecule called 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG), which helps release oxygen more efficiently to tissues. The effect wasn't temporary—even after returning to normal oxygen levels, the mice maintained improved glucose control for weeks or months.

The findings align with real-world observations. Populations in high-altitude regions like the Andes, Himalayas, and parts of Nepal, Bhutan, Peru, and Ethiopia—where average elevations exceed 2,500 metres—consistently show lower diabetes rates. The study suggests their red blood cells may be working harder to regulate glucose due to thinner air.

Building on this discovery, the research team developed a drug called HypoxyStat. When tested on diabetic mice, it mimicked the effects of low oxygen, reversing high blood sugar more effectively than existing treatments. The drug's long-lasting benefits have raised hopes for future applications in both diabetes care and other conditions involving oxygen deprivation, such as traumatic injuries.

Beyond diabetes, the findings could impact exercise science. Athletes training at high altitudes might unknowingly benefit from this natural glucose-regulating mechanism. Researchers now plan to explore how the body adapts to oxygen changes and whether similar drugs could treat other metabolic or hypoxia-related disorders.

The study reveals a previously unknown role for red blood cells in managing blood sugar. By acting as glucose sponges in low-oxygen settings, they offer a potential explanation for reduced diabetes rates in high-altitude populations. With HypoxyStat showing promise in animal tests, the next step will be determining whether these effects translate to human treatments.