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Diabetologia
Published in: Diabetologia 3/2004

01-03-2004 | For Debate

Decreased beta-cell mass in diabetes: significance, mechanisms and therapeutic implications

Authors: M. Y. Donath, P. A. Halban

Published in: Diabetologia | Issue 3/2004

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Abstract

Increasing evidence indicates that decreased functional beta-cell mass is the hallmark of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. This underlies the absolute or relative insulin insufficiency in both conditions. In this For Debate, we consider the possible mechanisms responsible for beta-cell death and impaired function and their relative contribution to insulin insufficiency in diabetes. Beta-cell apoptosis and impaired proliferation consequent to hyperglycaemia is one pathway that could be operating in all forms of diabetes. Autoimmunity and other routes to beta-cell death are also considered. Recognition of decreased functional beta-cell mass and its overlapping multifactorial aetiology in diabetic states, leads us to propose a unifying classification of diabetes.
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Metadata
Title
Decreased beta-cell mass in diabetes: significance, mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors
M. Y. Donath
P. A. Halban
Publication date
01-03-2004
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Diabetologia / Issue 3/2004
Print ISSN: 0012-186X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0428
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-004-1336-4

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