The present study investigated the role of selenium in the regulation of pancreatic beta-cell function. Utilising the mouse beta-cell line Min6, we have shown that selenium specifically upregulates Ipf1 (insulin promoter factor 1) gene expression, activating the À2715 to À1960 section of the Ipf1 gene promoter. Selenium increased both Ipf1 and insulin mRNA levels in Min6 cells and stimulated increases in insulin content and insulin secretion in isolated primary rat islets of Langerhans. These data are the first to implicate selenium in the regulation of specific beta-cell target genes and suggest that selenium potentially promotes an overall improvement in islet function.

Do-it-yourself automated insulin delivery systems for people living with type 1 diabetes use commercially available continuous glucose sensors and insulin pumps linked by unregulated open source software. Uptake of these systems is increasing, with growing evidence suggesting that positive glucose outcomes may be feasible. Increasing interest from people living with, or affected by, type 1 diabetes presents challenges to healthcare professionals, device manufacturers and regulators as the legal, governance and risk frameworks for such devices are not defined. We discuss the data, education, policy, technology and medicolegal obstacles to wider implementation of DIY systems and outline the next steps required for a co-ordinated approach to reducing variation in access to a technology that has potential to enable glucose self-management closer to target.

No abstract

This is the first study showing Pdcd4 expression in pancreatic cells. Our data indicate that Pdcd4 expression may be integral in the function of the adult pancreas.