“…When administered to the animal models, diazoxide improved plasma glucose values and oral glucose tolerance, suppressed circulating insulin levels, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and improved lipid metabolism (Leahy et al 1994, Bjorklund et al 1997, Alemzadeh & Tushaus 2005. b-cells from the diabetic Zucker fatty rat, the GK rat, and the 90% pancreatectomized diabetic rat have increased apoptosis, reduced insulin content, and deranged insulin secretory patterns including reduction of the initial glucose-induced rise and loss of regular pulsatility (Leahy et al 1986, Unger 1995, Hosokawa et al 1996, Maedler et al 2001, Lupi et al 2002, Prentki et al 2002, Ostenson et al 2007. Similar derangements are also observed after exposing primary b-cells or b-cell lines to elevated levels of glucose and fatty acids, in particular the saturated fatty acid palmitate, for prolonged time periods (Sako & Grill 1990, Bollheimer et al 1998, Lupi et al 2002, El-Assaad et al 2003, Maedler et al 2003, Song et al 2003, Kharroubi et al 2004.…”