A recent study showed that GLUT5-mediated fructose absorption in the small intestine is enhanced through interaction of GLUT5 with the thioredoxin-interacting protein (Txnip; a protein that regulates glucose homeostasis), and in certain forms of diabetes Txnip expression and fructose absorption increase, suggesting a mechanism that links diabetes and the metabolic syndrome13. This evidence concerns the gene TXNIP and diabetes mellitus.