It was accepted that beta cells could only function correctly in the presence of the other hormone-producing cells—alpha, delta and gamma cells—grouped together in islets within the pancreas.

Using optogenetics, researchers have identified that vitamin B6 plays a key role in pancreatic beta cells’ glucose response.

Beta cell subset may contribute to diabetes development and may pave the way for novel therapies for diabetes.

In a mouse study, scientists normalized blood sugar levels by transforming alpha cells in the pancreas into insulin-producing beta cells.

When these mice received monoclonal antibodies against the glucagon receptor, their human beta cells increased in number, protecting them against diabetes, suggesting this treatment could do the same ...

Diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed or become dysfunctional. Scientists are keen to find methods for regenerating these cells to treat diabetes.

Not only did the beta cells begin responding to blood sugar more like mature insulin-producing cells, but the entire islet “neighborhood” – including less well-understood alpha and delta cells – also ...

An isolated pancreatic islet from mouse. Beta cells in the islets that make insulin are labeled in red and alpha cells, green. The arrow shows an alpha cell that spontaneously turned into a beta cell.

FDA-approved artemisinins, which have been used for decades to treat malaria, transform glucagon-producing alpha cells in the pancreas into insulin producing cells, researchers report.

Alpha cells secrete glucagon hormone that increases glucose in blood, while the beta cells secrete insulin, the hormone decreasing glucose concentration.