Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Analysis of Beta-cell Function Using Single-cell Resolution Calcium Imaging in Zebrafish Islets
08:50

Analysis of Beta-cell Function Using Single-cell Resolution Calcium Imaging in Zebrafish Islets

Published on: July 3, 2018

15.5K

Reduced β-cell function in early preclinical type 1 diabetes

Maarit K Koskinen1, Olli Helminen1, Jaakko Matomäki2

  • 1Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, FinlandMediCity LaboratoriesDepartment of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, 20520 Turku, FinlandPEDEGO Research UnitDepartment of Paediatrics, Medical Research Centre Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, FinlandDepartment of Children and AdolescentsOulu University Hospital, Oulu, FinlandClinical Research CentreTurku University Hospital, Turku, FinlandDepartment of PaediatricsTampere University Hospital, Tampere, FinlandNovo Nordisk Farma OyCMR Department, Espoo, FinlandDiabetes Outpatient ClinicTampere, FinlandDepartment of PaediatricsTurku University Hospital, Turku, FinlandResearch Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular MedicineUniversity of Turku, Turku, FinlandImmunogenetics LaboratoryUniversity of Turku, Turku, FinlandDepartment of Clinical MicrobiologyUniversity of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, FinlandChildren's HospitalUniversity of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, FinlandResearch Programs UnitDiabetes and Obesity, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandFolkhälsan Research CentreUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of PhysiologyInstitute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland Department of PaediatricsUniversity of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, FinlandMediCity LaboratoriesDepartment of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, 20520 Turku, FinlandPEDEGO Research UnitDepartment of Paediatrics, Medical Research Centre Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, FinlandDepartment of Children and AdolescentsOulu University Hospital, Oulu, FinlandClinical Research CentreTurku University Hospital, Turku, FinlandDepartment of PaediatricsTampere University Hospital, Tampere, FinlandNovo Nordisk Farma OyCMR Department, Espoo, FinlandDiabetes Outpatient ClinicTampere, FinlandDepartment of PaediatricsTurku University Hospital, Turku, FinlandResearch Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascu

European Journal of Endocrinology
|December 2, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Children progressing to type 1 diabetes show reduced first phase insulin response (FPIR) years before diagnosis. This indicates an early defect in pancreatic beta-cell function or mass.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells.
  • Early detection of T1D pathogenesis is crucial for developing preventative strategies.
  • Islet autoimmunity precedes clinical diagnosis by several years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate insulin secretion patterns during the preclinical phase of type 1 diabetes.
  • To characterize changes in glucose metabolism preceding T1D diagnosis.
  • To identify early markers of beta-cell dysfunction in individuals at high risk for T1D.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal observation of a population-based cohort of children with HLA-conferred T1D susceptibility.
  • Regular screening for islet autoantibodies.
  • Sequential intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTTs) to assess glucose metabolism and insulin response.

Main Results:

  • Children progressing to T1D (progressors) exhibited significantly decreased first phase insulin response (FPIR) 4-6 years before diagnosis compared to non-progressors.
  • The reduction in FPIR was evident across all age groups studied and increased with age.
  • Insulin sensitivity remained comparable between progressors and non-progressors, suggesting a specific defect in insulin secretion.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased FPIR is an early indicator of preclinical type 1 diabetes, detectable years before diagnosis.
  • This finding suggests an intrinsic defect in pancreatic beta-cell mass and/or function in individuals who will develop T1D.
  • FPIR may serve as a valuable biomarker for monitoring disease progression and evaluating interventions in at-risk populations.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing Replication and Beta Cell Function in Adenovirally-transduced Isolated Rodent Islets09:31

Assessing Replication and Beta Cell Function in Adenovirally-transduced Isolated Rodent Islets

Published on: June 25, 2012

14.5K
A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform09:35

A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform

Published on: July 16, 2016

11.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
6.0K
Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
15.0K
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
5.5K
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,...
4.4K
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
2.8K
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation01:25

Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
1.9K