Beta-cell preservation by incretin-based therapy

Preservation of pancreatic beta-cells in patients with type 2 diabetes would be a substantial therapeutic improvement as the disease is associated with a progressive loss of insulin-producing beta-cells. In various preclinical studies glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) led to preservation of beta-cell mass by inducing beta-cell proliferation and neogenesis as well as inhibiting apoptosis. These results cannot readily be translated to the situation in humans and further clinical evidence is needed.