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Published in: Diabetologia 4/2019

Open Access 01-04-2019 | Insulins | Review

Beta cells in type 1 diabetes: mass and function; sleeping or dead?

Authors: Richard A. Oram, Emily K. Sims, Carmella Evans-Molina

Published in: Diabetologia | Issue 4/2019

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Abstract

Histological analysis of donor pancreases coupled with measurement of serum C-peptide in clinical cohorts has challenged the idea that all beta cells are eventually destroyed in type 1 diabetes. These findings have raised a number of questions regarding how the remaining beta cells have escaped immune destruction, whether pools of ‘sleeping’ or dysfunctional beta cells could be rejuvenated and whether there is potential for new growth of beta cells. In this Review, we describe histological and in vivo evidence of persistent beta cells in type 1 diabetes and discuss the limitations of current methods to distinguish underlying beta cell mass in comparison with beta cell function. We highlight that evidence for new beta cell growth in humans many years from diagnosis is limited, and that this growth may be very minimal if at all present. We review recent contributions to the debate around beta cell abnormalities contributing to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes. We also discuss evidence for restoration of beta cell function, as opposed to mass, in recent-onset type 1 diabetes, but highlight the absence of data supporting functional recovery in the setting of long-duration diabetes. Finally, future areas of research are suggested to help resolve the source and phenotype of residual beta cells that persist in some, but not all, people with type 1 diabetes.
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Metadata
Title
Beta cells in type 1 diabetes: mass and function; sleeping or dead?
Authors
Richard A. Oram
Emily K. Sims
Carmella Evans-Molina
Publication date
01-04-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Diabetologia / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0012-186X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0428
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-019-4822-4

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