What are Ceramides?
Ceramides is a group of molecules known as waxy lipids. These molecules are located within the cell membrane, particularly the eukaryotic cells. Its components include fatty acids and an amino alcohol called sphingosine. What makes a ceramide special is that it is part of the skin composition that forms the body’s natural skin barrier.
These lipids play three major physiological roles – they are apoptosis, dermal functions, and hormonal processes. In its role in programmed cell death or apoptosis, this lipid assists in maintaining the normal homeostasis of the cells. It is beneficial in suppressing cancer cells, thus, making it a necessary lipid molecule for cancer prevention.
Ceramides are important lipids in keeping the skin intact and healthy. Together with other molecules, ceramides create an organ that prevents excessive water loss from the skin. These lipids essentially seal the necessary skin moisture and prevents the entry of impurities.
What is the role of ceramides in diabetes?
In recent studies, experts have suggested that ceramides play a significant role in developing metabolic health diseases like diabetes. The higher the number of ceramides present in the body, the higher the chances of diabetes to develop and complicate.
Experts believe that ceramides are intracellular signalling mediators involved in a diabetes phenomenon called insulin resistance. When this resistance happens, the body cannot use insulin to balance blood sugar levels. As a result, hyperglycemia develops.
One of the health factors associated with ceramides is LDL or low-density lipoproteins. It is also known as bad cholesterol. Inflammation occurs when ceramides transport in LDL. The number of ceramides increases in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Besides this complication, skeletal muscle insulin resistance is very likely to occur.
While ceramides are necessary ingredients in keeping the skin healthy and intact, we must consider some factors to prove their safety, especially for individuals with diabetes. Thankfully, therapeutic agents are available that help reduces . These agents are beneficial enough in preventing diabetes from complicating. They also serve as treatment when diabetes-related complications develop
