Beta Cell Regeneration

During the breakdown of beta cells by the immune system in type 1 diabetes, a small amount of beta cells usually survive. Beta cell regeneration involves the development of treatments that maintain the residual amount of beta cells and their function, as well as restore the beta cells that have been lost.

Status

• Under certain conditions, such as pregnancy, the body itself increases its amount of beta cells. The researchers are trying to recreate these conditions in an attempt to artificially stimulate the body's development of new beta cells.

• In mouse trials, experimental drugs have shown to increase the beta cells' ability to reproduce themselves.

• It is necessary to develop immunotherapies that can protect existing and newly formed beta cells against the attacks of the immune system.