Beta cells are cells in the pancreas that produce and release insulin in response to blood glucose levels. In people with type 2 diabetes, beta cells have to work harder to produce enough insulin to control high blood sugar levels. This can lead to beta cells being unable to work properly to regulate blood sugar.
In people with type 2 diabetes, prolonged high blood glucose levels require beta cells to work harder so that they can produce enough insulin to lower blood sugar levels.
This overwork can lead to the loss of beta cells or to beta cells being unable to carry out their function effectively. As a result of this cycle of loss of beta cell function, the body may not be able to produce enough insulin to control blood sugar.
Beta cells and treatment
Certain medications, including incretin-based medications and SGLT2 inhibitors, can help treat type 2 diabetes and improve beta cell function.
Incretin-based medications
Incretin-based medications help regulate blood glucose levels. Incretin is a hormone that triggers the production of insulin and helps reduce the rate at which glucose from food enters the bloodstream.
Incretin-based medications includeTrusted Source:
dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, such as alogliptin, linagliptin, saxagliptin, and sitagliptin
glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, such as albiglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, and semaglutide
Incretin-based medications can help improveTrusted Source beta cell function and keep people feeling fuller for longer after eating, which may help reduce food consumption.
Moreover, incretin-based medications regulate insulin production depending on how much glucose is present in the bloodstream. This prevents the overproduction of insulin and stops glucose levels from dropping too low, which can also damage beta cells.
SGLT2 inhibitors
SGLT2 inhibitors are another type of medication that can help treat type 2 diabetes and reduce the demand on beta cells.
SGLT2 inhibitors help increase the amount of glucose that the body removes through urine. SGLT2 inhibitors may also help with lowering body weight and reducing the risk of heart problems.
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