Pancreatic beta‐cell mass and function and therapeutic implications of using antidiabetic medications in type 2 diabetes

Abstract

AbstractNowadays, the focus of diabetes treatment has switched from lowering the glucose level to preserving glycemic homeostasis and slowing the disease progression. The main pathophysiology of both type 1 diabetes and long‐standing type 2 diabetes is pancreatic β‐cell mass loss and dysfunction. According to recent research, human pancreatic β‐cells possess the ability to proliferate in response to elevated insulin demands. It has been demonstrated that in insulin‐resistant conditions in humans, such as obesity or pregnancy, the β‐cell mass increases. This ability could be helpful in developing novel treatment approaches to restore a functional β‐cell mass. Treatment strategies aimed at boosting β‐cell function and mass may be a useful tool for managing diabetes mellitus and stopping its progression. This review outlines the processes of β‐cell failure and detail the many β‐cell abnormalities that manifest in people with diabetes mellitus. We also go over standard techniques for determining the mass and function of β‐cells. Lastly, we provide the therapeutic implications of utilizing antidiabetic drugs in controlling the mass and function of pancreatic β‐cells.