Molecular-size dependence of glycogen enzymatic degradation and its importance for diabetes

• Glycogen, a complex branched glucose polymer, helps maintain blood-sugar level.
• Small β particles bind into large α particles; the binding is fragile in diabetes.
• We study the time evolution of molecular size distribution with degradative enzyme.
• This shows small particles degrade more rapidly to glucose than large ones.
• This is consistent with uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetes.