Beta Cell Deficit in Diabetes: Implication for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

There is global consensus that type 1 diabetes is characterized by a loss of beta cells, mainly through autoimmune-mediated beta cell destruction [1]. On the other hand, obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance have often been emphasized as characteristics of type 2 diabetes in contrast to type 1 diabetes. However, studies have shown that if hyperinsulinemia is corrected by insulin sensitivity, insufficient insulin secretion in patients with type 2 diabetes and even those with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) becomes apparent [2-4].