28 June 2018 - - Study results presented at the US-based non profit voluntary health organization American Diabetes Association's (ADA's) 78th Scientific Session indicate that the insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell (β-cell) dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was unresponsive to treatment with metformin alone or metformin combined with insulin glargine in youth with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), an element of prediabetes or early T2D, the organization said.
Given the increased recognition of the critical role of pancreatic β-cell function in the pathogenesis of T2D, research efforts have begun to focus on prevention of the loss of insulin secretion among individuals at high risk for T2D or in early stages of the disease.
The restoring insulin secretion (RISE) program consists of three randomized, multi-center studies across the US focusing on youth and adults to assess the impact of different interventions at the stage of IGT or shortly after the diagnosis of T2D to determine if the β-cell decline observed in IGT and early T2D could be halted or reversed.
The results from the three RISE studies showed that youth have markedly lower insulin sensitivity compared to adults. In response, the insulin release by the pancreas in youth was much higher than in adults. However, the increased β-cell responsiveness in youth was still not enough to maintain normal glucose levels, indicating impaired β-cell function.
Founded in 1940, the mission of the ADA is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
The organization drives discovery, funds research, safeguards policies, and furthers diabetes education across the nation. In addition, the ADA supports people living with diabetes, those at risk of developing diabetes, and the health care professionals who serve them through information and programs that can improve health outcomes and quality of life.