People who live high in the mountains have long been observed to develop diabetes less often than those at sea level. Scientists have known about this pattern for years, but the biological reason behind it has remained unclear.

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes now believe they have uncovered the answer. Their findings show that in low oxygen environments, red blood cells begin absorbing large amounts of glucose from the bloodstream, effectively acting like sugar sponges.

In a study published today (February 19) in the journal Cell Metabolism, the team demonstrated that red blood cells can reprogram their metabolism under low oxygen conditions. At high altitude, this shift helps the cells deliver oxygen more effectively throughout the body. At the same time, it reduces the amount of sugar circulating in the blood.