Prostaglandins, glucose homeostasis, and diabetes mellitus.

Prostaglandins of the E series are implicated as regulators of glucose homeostasis because of their effects on glucose production and secretion of insulin and glucagon. PGE is postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology of insulin secretion in adult-onset (Type II) diabetes mellitus. Evidence supporting this hypothesis includes the demonstration that PGE inhibits glucose-induced acute insulin responses in normal humans. Moreover, drugs that inhibit synthesis of PGE improve abnormal insulin secretion in human subjects with Type II diabetes mellitus.