Glucose metabolism is a key process in many organisms. A lack of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake is associated with type 2 diabetes, while high glucose uptake is a sign of the high glycolytic rates associated with cancer. Measuring glucose uptake can determine the effects of various treatments for diabetes and cancer.
The gold standard method of assaying glucose uptake relies on detection of radio-labeled glucose analogs. Alternative colorimetric and fluorometric glucose uptake assays often lack the sensitivity and robustness needed to reliably measure glucose uptake in cells.