Increased oxidative metabolism following hypoxia in the type 2 diabetic heart, despite normal hypoxia signalling and metabolic adaptation.

Key Points: Adaptation to hypoxia makes the heart more oxygen efficient, by metabolising more glucose. In contrast, type 2 diabetes makes the heart metabolise more fatty acids. Diabetes increases the chances of the heart being exposed to hypoxia, but whether the diabetic heart can adapt and respond is unknown.