Part 4:
Choosing a Hypothesis
Gymnema tea has been used as a “glucose blocker” in India for many years, and is a molecule of interest by drug development companies. However, there is not yet enough evidence for it to be approved by the FDA as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Gymnema tea has been used as a “glucose blocker” in India for many years, and is a molecule of interest by drug development companies. However, there is not yet enough evidence for it to be approved by the FDA as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.
The literature suggests a few mechanisms for Gymnema to work as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Choose one hypothesis to defend using evidence from this lesson.
The literature suggests a few mechanisms for Gymnema to work as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Choose one hypothesis to defend using evidence from this lesson.
Hypothesis 1: Gymnema blocks the T1R2+T1R3 receptors in the gut. This keeps glucose transporters from being expressed on the surface of the cells so glucose is delayed entering those cells, and the blood stream. Glucose is excreted.
Hypothesis 1: Gymnema blocks the T1R2+T1R3 receptors in the gut. This keeps glucose transporters from being expressed on the surface of the cells so glucose is delayed entering those cells, and the blood stream. Glucose is excreted.
Hypothesis 2: Gymnema blocks the T1R2+T1R3 receptors on the tongue. When a person does not sense sweetness, they are less likely to eat sweet foods. Diabetes is controlled by reducing dietary sugar.
Hypothesis 2: Gymnema blocks the T1R2+T1R3 receptors on the tongue. When a person does not sense sweetness, they are less likely to eat sweet foods. Diabetes is controlled by reducing dietary sugar.
Hypothesis 3: Gymnema blocks the T1R2+T1R3 receptors in the pancreas. The pancreas is stimulated to release insulin, which helps glucose leave the blood and enter the cells where it is used for energy.
Hypothesis 3: Gymnema blocks the T1R2+T1R3 receptors in the pancreas. The pancreas is stimulated to release insulin, which helps glucose leave the blood and enter the cells where it is used for energy.
So, which hypothesis is right?
So, which hypothesis is right?
All three of these hypotheses are areas of active research and there is no one correct hypothesis at this time.
Chose one that you think provides the best explanation and describe why.
How would you test the hypothesis you chose?
Next step: go to the End of Module Review
Next step: go to the End of Module Review