Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
06:09

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds

Published on: April 23, 2018

Novel therapeutics and targets for the treatment of diabetes

Thomas D Aicher1, Steven A Boyd, Maralee McVean

  • 1Principal Research Investigator, Array BioPharma Inc., 3200 Walnut Street, Boulder, CO 80301, USA. taicher@arraybiopharma.com.

Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Novel therapies are being evaluated to combat diabetes complications like neuropathy and retinopathy. These treatments aim to improve glucose control, restore beta-cell function, and manage cardiovascular disease and obesity in diabetic patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Diabetology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus, including Type 1 and Type 2, leads to severe microvascular (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy) and macrovascular complications (stroke, myocardial infarction).
  • Pathophysiology involves total or partial beta-cell loss, insulin resistance in muscle and liver, and metabolic dysfunction in various organs.
  • These complications impose significant human and economic burdens on society.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging therapies for diabetes and its associated complications.
  • To highlight treatments in clinical and preclinical evaluation targeting glucose homeostasis and beta-cell function.
  • To discuss the potential of novel therapies in managing cardiovascular disease and obesity comorbidities.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical and preclinical studies on novel diabetes therapies.
  • Analysis of therapeutic strategies addressing beta-cell mass and function.
  • Evaluation of treatments for metabolic defects and comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • Identification of promising novel therapeutic targets for diabetes management.
  • Assessment of therapies aimed at improving insulin sensitivity and beta-cell preservation/regeneration.
  • Exploration of treatment strategies for obesity and cardiovascular disease in diabetic populations.

Conclusions:

  • Novel therapeutic approaches show potential for improving glucose homeostasis and beta-cell function in diabetes.
  • Emerging treatments may offer new avenues for managing critical diabetes-related comorbidities.
  • Further research and clinical evaluation are crucial to translate these findings into effective patient care.

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood glucose levels...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Pathophysiology of Diabetes01:20

Pathophysiology of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.