Assessment and protection of pancreatic islet β-cell function in type 2 diabetes outlined in new study

β-cell function can be clinically assessed using blood glucose-based methods or methods that combine blood glucose and endogenous insulin or C-peptide levels, latest research shows.

A study by the Expert Panel of the Chinese Diabetes Society and Endocrinology Society of Jiangsu Medical Association has found that some measures, including weight loss and early and sustained euglycemia control, could effectively protect islet β-cell function.

In addition, this new research has discovered that some newly developed drugs, such as Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor and Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, could improve islet β-cell function, independent of glycaemic control.

According to the academics, appropriate assessment of islet β-cell function is beneficial to better management of type 2 diabetes.

The authors conclude: “Protecting islet β-cell function is vital to delay the progress of type 2 diabetes.”

Click here to read the research.