Beta Cell Centric Approach in the Management of Diabetes

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) is a complex, progressive, chronic metabolic disorder that is mainly characterized by hyperglycemia. The decline in β-cell function and insulin resistance still remains the major pathophysiological mechanisms of disease progression. By the time T2DM is diagnosed, the β-cell function is already lost halfway, which further declines each year
thereafter. The majority of the currently present therapy focuses more on achieving glycemic targets without dealing with the deteriorating β-cell function. Various classes of drugs in managing T2DM aids in improving β-cell function and proliferation including newer agents like Glucagon Like Polypeptide-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1RA), Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and Dipeptidyl-Peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i). This review highlights the fate of β-cell function during T2DM progression and the therapeutic approach for β-cell preservation with special emphasis on DPP4i.

Conflict of Interest: Dr. Manish Maladkar, Dr. Shrikant Patil, Dr. Ashok Yadav and Charul Lautre are employed by Aristo Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, India.

Source of Support: None declared.