Breakdown of Bone Keeps Blood Sugar in Check (IMAGE)

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Breakdown of Bone Keeps Blood Sugar in Check

Caption

Insulin signaling in bone favors whole-body glucose homeostasis by activating osteocalcin. (1) Insulin signals osteoblasts, bone cells responsible for bone formation, which (2) tell osteoclasts, bone cells responsible for resorption, to destroy old bone. Next (3), the acidic (low pH) conditions created by the osteoclasts activates osteocalcin inside the bone. Finally (4), the active osteocalcin released from bone travels to the pancreas and stimulates the release of more insulin.

Credit

© Image provided by Columbia University Medical Center.

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