myocardial glucose uptake
The cardiac muscle's utilization of glucose as a metabolic substrate, altered in diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Full Definition
Myocardial glucose uptake refers to the heart muscle's capacity to transport and metabolize glucose for energy production. In healthy hearts, glucose uptake is insulin-dependent and represents a major fuel source, particularly during stress conditions. In diabetes and insulin resistance, myocardial glucose uptake becomes impaired due to reduced glucose transporter function and insulin signaling defects. This metabolic dysfunction contributes to diabetic cardiomyopathy and heart failure development. Myocardial glucose uptake can be assessed using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and serves as both a research tool and clinical diagnostic measure.
Usage
Usage note: Typically assessed using FDG-PET imaging during hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp conditions.
In Context
- "PET imaging revealed significantly reduced myocardial glucose uptake in the diabetic patient with heart failure." — Cardiac imaging report
- "Improved glycemic control was associated with restoration of normal myocardial glucose uptake patterns." — Follow-up assessment