Sleep-wake cycle impacts beta cells

Circadian rhythm is defined as the body's natural process of sleeping and waking up according to the 24 hours caused by earth's rotation. A new research study published in the journal Gene and Development has found that circadian rhythm impacts the regeneration of beta cells, the cells which produce insulin. The study was conducted on two groups of mice with 20 per cent of beta cell function and they were observed for their circadian rhythm. It was found that the mice with abnormal sleep-wake cycle lacked the production of a certain type of protein that was responsible for regeneration of beta cells. The absence of this protein lowered the replacement of beta cells in the body. This led to high sugar levels in the blood. The study has concluded that a normal sleep wake-cycle is essential for keeping blood sugar levels under control.

Source: Gene and Development, 2023