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Can we prevent beta cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetes?

Freddy Goldberg Eliaschewitz1, Marcos Antonio Tambascia

  • 1Freddy Goldberg Eliaschewitz, Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil; CPClin Clinical Research Center, São Paulo, Brazil, CEP-01244-030. freddy.g@uol.com.br.

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews
|December 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Type 2 diabetes (DM2) progression causes long-term glycemic control failure due to declining beta-cell insulin secretion. Treatment adjustments are necessary as the disease advances, as highlighted by the UKPDS study.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Diseases
  • Diabetes Research

Background:

  • The United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) identified the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes (DM2) as a primary reason for failing to achieve long-term glycemic control.
  • This progression is characterized by a continuous decline in beta-cell function, leading to insulin deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To underscore the importance of understanding the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes.
  • To highlight the necessity of adaptive treatment strategies in managing long-term glycemic control.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data and findings from the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS).
  • Review of established knowledge regarding beta-cell function decline in type 2 diabetes.

Main Results:

  • Type 2 diabetes progression involves an annual reduction of approximately 5% in beta-cell insulin secretion capacity.
  • Significant beta-cell function loss (around 50%) precedes the clinical diagnosis of diabetes.
  • This decline in function begins 10-12 years prior to diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • The progressive decline in beta-cell function is a fundamental aspect of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology.
  • Effective long-term management of type 2 diabetes requires treatment regimens that account for disease progression and declining beta-cell function.

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