Beta-cell Insufficiency

Abstract

Abstract‘Beta-cell failure’ is a frequently used term to describe the structural and functional inability of the cells to fulfil their metabolic responsibility. This editorial reviews the anatomy and physiology of the beta cell, and describes factors which regulate this. The authors focus on semantics, comparing the phrases ‘beta-cell failure’, ‘functional mass’, and ‘beta-cell insufficiency’. They suggest the use of ‘beta-cell insufficiency’, with descriptors such as ‘partial’ and ‘complete’, or ‘reversible’ and ‘irreversible’, to convey betacell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. A three-phase taxonomic structure: beta-cell sufficiency, partial/reversible beta-cell insufficiency and complete/irreversible beta-cell insufficiency, is proposed as a tool to understand pathophysiology and facilitate therapeutic decision-making.

Pathophysiology of Physical Inactivity-Dependent Insulin Resistance: A Theoretical Mechanistic Review Emphasizing Clinical Evidence

“…Pancreatic beta cells are responsible for insulin synthesis and release, the main hormone in glucose homeostasis, by controlling absorption, digestion, conversion, and storage of carbohydrates [ 30 ]. Beta cell insufficiency is a general term mainly referred to as the structural or functional inability of the pancreatic beta cells to fulfill their metabolic activities and impair insulin release in response to meal [ 31 ]. It was confirmed that beta cell failure leads to chronic hyperglycemia, which characterizes type 2 DM [ 31 ].…”

“…Beta cell insufficiency is a general term mainly referred to as the structural or functional inability of the pancreatic beta cells to fulfill their metabolic activities and impair insulin release in response to meal [ 31 ]. It was confirmed that beta cell failure leads to chronic hyperglycemia, which characterizes type 2 DM [ 31 ]. Also, inherited abnormalities in beta cell mass or function are important precursors for dysglycemia and type 2 DM [ 31 ].…”

“…It was confirmed that beta cell failure leads to chronic hyperglycemia, which characterizes type 2 DM [ 31 ]. Also, inherited abnormalities in beta cell mass or function are important precursors for dysglycemia and type 2 DM [ 31 ]. Hence, efficient pancreatic islets are crucial for maintaining normal glucose homeostasis [ 30 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Defining Disease Progression and Drug Durability in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

“…The three-stage model which lists beta-cell sufficiency, partial/reversible insufficiency, and complete/irreversible insufficiency, also appears a rational way of describing disease progression in T2D. 16 Objective markers are needed, however, and fasting and stimulated serum C-peptide are useful markers for functioning of beta cells. This has minimal relevance in clinical practice, and is used primarily in research settings.…”

Sedentary Lifestyle as a Leading cause of Some Diseases and Disability

“…(19) The general term "beta cell insufficiency" primarily refers to the impairment of the structural or functional capacity of the pancreatic beta cells to carry out their metabolic functions, thereby hindering the release of insulin in response to meals. (20) It has been established that type 2 diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which results from beta cell dysfunction. Additionally, hereditary variations in the mass or function of beta cells are significant predisposing factors for type 2 diabetes and dysglycemia.…”