Diabetic Perspectives

The Fate of Beta-Cells in Type 2 Diabetes and the Possible Role of Pharmacological Interventions

Baptist Gallwitz

Keywords: type 2 diabetes, thizolidinediones, rosiglitazone, DPP-4 inhibitors, incretin mimetics, beta-cell function, beta-cell mass

Abstract

This article gives an overview of two recent trials investigating rosiglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, in its potential to prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D) and in its effectiveness in monotherapy. Thiazolidinediones are among the most important developments of recent years for combating T2D and therefore worth to revisit. The possible influence of thiazolidines in improving beta-cell function is discussed as well as the potential effects on insulin resistance and obesity. Novel, incretin-based therapies (GLP-1 analogues and DPP-4 inhibitors) and their effects on beta-cell function and beta-cell mass are also summarized and critically evaluated.

Fulltext: HTML , PDF (423KB)

This article has been cited by other articles:

	The old and the new in the treatment of type 2 diabetes: focus on the combination therapy with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and metformin Anfossi G, Russo I, Bonomo K, Trovati M Clin Med Insights Ther 2010. 2:255-260
	Elevated circulating levels of an incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1, are associated with metabolic components in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease Yamaoka-Tojo M, Tojo T, Takahira N, Matsunaga A, Aoyama N, Masuda T, Izumi T Cardiovasc Diabetol 2010. 9:17
	Clinical application of incretin-based therapy: therapeutic potential, patient selection and clinical use Kendall DM, Cuddihy RM, Bergenstal RM Eur J Intern Med 2009. 20(Suppl 2):S329-S339
	A cardiologic approach to non-insulin antidiabetic pharmacotherapy in patients with heart disease Fisman EZ, Tenenbaum A Cardiovasc Diabetol 2009. 8:38
	Clinical application of incretin-based therapy: therapeutic potential, patient selection and clinical use Kendall DM, Cuddihy RM, Bergenstal RM Am J Med 2009. 122(6 Suppl):S37-S50
	Targeting Incretins in Type 2 Diabetes: Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and DPP-4 Inhibitors Pratley RE, Gilbert M Rev Diabet Stud 2008. 5(2):73-94