Sodium-Glucose Cotransporters
Sodium-glucose cotransporters, or SGLTs, are proteins found in the cell membranes of certain tissues, primarily in the intestines and kidneys. They play a crucial role in absorbing glucose from the diet by using the sodium gradient created by the sodium-potassium pump. This process allows glucose to enter cells alongside sodium ions, even against its concentration gradient.
There are different types of sodium-glucose cotransporters, with SGLT1 and SGLT2 being the most studied. SGLT1 is mainly responsible for glucose absorption in the intestines, while SGLT2 is involved in reabsorbing glucose in the kidneys. These transporters are important for maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body.