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Targeting β-Cell Mass in Type 2 Diabetes: Promise and Limitations of New Drugs Based on Incretins

Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0547

Correspondence: Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: David D'Alessio, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, ML 0547, University of Cincinnati, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0547. E-mail: dalessd{at}ucmail.uc.edu

Progressive insulin secretory defects, due to either functional abnormalities of the pancreatic β-cells or a reduction in β-cell mass, are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based drugs hold the potential to improve glucose tolerance by immediate favorable effect on β-cell physiology as well as by expanding or at least maintaining β-cell mass, which may delay the progression of the disease. Long-term studies in humans are needed to elaborate on these effects.