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.