The glucose metabolism in the proximal small intestine is critical for regulating postprandial glucose levels and maintaining overall metabolic homeostasis. Disruptions in glucose transport and metabolism contribute to metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To better understand glucose absorption and transformation within the proximal small intestine and its interaction with systemic circulation, this research aims to develop a compartmental metabolism rate model. The model conceptualizes the proximal small intestine as a central metabolic compartment, represented as a series of continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR). It incorporates material balance equations, transport processes, enzymatic degradation of carbohydrates, and glucose uptake via sodium-glucose cotransporters (SGLT1 and SGLT2). Ordinary differential equations (ODEs) will be utilized in MATLAB to assess the metabolic rate, factoring in intestinal transport rates, enzyme kinetics, and glucose flux. Validation of the model will be conducted using existing experimental data from in vivo and in vitro studies. Initial simulations are expected to reveal rate-limiting steps in glucose metabolism and predict glucose concentration gradients throughout the proximal small intestine. Ultimately, this model aims to enhance our understanding of how intestinal transporters and enzymatic activity influence glucose homeostasis and to evaluate potential treatment strategies, including transporter modulation and enzyme inhibition, to optimize glucose absorption. This quantitative approach will facilitate the assessment of glucose metabolism abnormalities and the development of targeted treatment plans for improved metabolic health.
