Preservation of β-cell function in type 2 diabetes by GLP-1 based therapy / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by deteriorated β-cell function and progressive loss of β-cell mass. Pancreatic islets are a target of high concentrations of glucose, pro-inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acid levels, which are associated with obesity, insulin resistance and β-cell apeptosis. Therapy targeting β-cell dysfunction is crucial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. GLP-1, one of the incretin hormones, has been demonstrated to improve glycaemic control and β-cell function through its multiple physiological effects. In this review, the mechanisms involved in β-cell dysfunction and β-cell loss are addressed, and the updates in GLP-1 based therapy for the preservation of β-cell mass and β-cell function in type 2 diabetes are also reviewed.