Question

2. Metformin is a drug that decreases the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Explain why metformin would be helpful in treating diabetes.

Answer 1

Let us understand the terms

Diabetes : High blood sugar [low insulin level]

The process of formation of glucose from non carbohydrate carbon substrates is known as gluconeogenesis.

phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase is an enzyme which is used in the above said anabolic process gluconeogenesis.

Now any chemical or any dose which will reduce the expression of the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase will reduce gluconeogenesis and hence will reduce the glucose level in blood

so Metformin a drug that decreases the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase will reduce the risk of high sugar level and hence diabetes.