Scientists discover new way to promote insulin production in pre-diabetes phase
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
by Nanyang Technological University
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) scientists have discovered that a type of immune cell known as a pancreatic islet macrophage is capable of promoting insulin production during the pre-diabetes phase.
The scientists believe that the macrophages could be harnessed through new targeted treatments to prevent type 2 pre-diabetic patients from turning fully diabetic. Macrophages were not previously known to produce or regulate insulin, and had often been overlooked in diabetes research.
Working with an international team of scientists, the five-year study was led by Assistant Professor Yusuf Ali from NTU's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. He wanted to investigate pre-diabetes research due to the general lack of awareness, understanding, and diagnoses for the condition.
"There are currently more than 300,000 people in Singapore and many more around the world who are living and coping with type 2 diabetes," Assistant Professor Ali said. "However, even more people are living in the pre-diabetes phase, and if we could detect it early, it would be much easier to reverse any negative progression of the condition."
More:
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-11-scientists-insulin-production-pre-diabetes-phase.html