Growth of insulin-producing beta cells. Perhaps a new way to treat type 1 diabetes
Annerén, C.
Lakartidningen 99(21): 2394-2395; 2398-2399
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 12090167 Document Number: 548159
Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1-diabetes) results from a selective destruction of the insulin producing beta cells and a limited capacity of the remaining cells to regenerate in a compensatory manner. Increased knowledge of the factors involved in the regulation of beta-cell growth may lead to new ways of forming beta cells that in combination with selective immunosuppression could be used for treatment of type 1 diabetes. Physiological and pathophysiological conditions that induce beta-cell growth, different factors that have been implicated to regulate these processes and future perspectives concerning treatment of type 1 diabetes by expanding the beta-cell mass is discussed in this review article.