Researchers uncover new details in type 2 diabetes development
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Researchers at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine have discovered new information about how type 2 diabetes develops and how future treatments may help protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The study, published in the journal Metabolites, was led by Ohio University researchers Brian List, Nicholas Whitticar, Kathryn Corbin and Craig Nunemaker, Ph.D., associate professor and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O., endowed faculty fellow in diabetes and islet biology.
The research focused on beta cells, which are the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. In healthy individuals, these cells release insulin in pulses about every five minutes that are small between meals and larger after a meal. Scientists have known for years that this pulsing pattern helps the liver respond better to insulin, but it was unclear whether the pulses also help keep the beta cells healthy.
"Loss of pulsatile insulin secretion is one of the earliest hallmarks of developing type 2 diabetes, but very little research has explored whether those oscillations are also important for the health of the beta cells themselves," Nunemaker said. "Because beta cells are the only source of insulin in the body, they are essentially insulin factories.
"Our findings suggest that these rhythmic cycles of activity and rest are not just a byproduct of healthy cells—they may actually be essential to maintaining beta-cell function by providing brief rest breaks in activity to prepare each batch of insulin properly before exiting the factory."
In the study, researchers exposed islet cells to high levels of glucose to mimic conditions that happen in the early stages of diabetes. They then used a custom-designed system to create rhythmic cycles of activity and rest in the cells.
The team compared two approaches using a compound called D-mannoheptulose, or MH, which reduces the demand for insulin release. One group of cells received MH continuously, while another group received it in short pulses every few minutes.
The cells treated with pulsing MH recovered more normal function than cells treated continuously. Researchers found improvements in glucose sensing, calcium signaling and markers linked to lower cell stress.
"Our results show that giving the cells short periods of rest in a rhythmic pattern worked better than continuous treatment," Nunemaker said. "This could help guide future research into new ways to protect beta cells during the development of diabetes."
The study also introduced a new laboratory system that allows researchers to control rhythmic activity in beta cells. The team says this tool could help scientists better understand how diabetes damages insulin-producing cells and how those cells might be protected. Moreover, it could be used to test any intrinsically rhythmic cells, such as pituitary cells that release growth hormone and cells in the stomach that produce ghrelin, the "hunger hormone."
Researchers believe the findings could support future therapies aimed at slowing or preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes by helping beta cells stay healthier for longer periods.
More information
Brian P. List et al, Evidence That Oscillations in Glucose Metabolism Promote Optimal Islet Function, Metabolites (2026). DOI: 10.3390/metabo16040264
Key medical concepts
Diabetes Type 2Insulin-Secreting CellsCalcium Signaling
Clinical categories
Endocrinology Provided by Ohio University Who's behind this story?
Lisa Lock
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Citation: Researchers uncover new details in type 2 diabetes development (2026, June 11) retrieved 11 June 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-uncover-diabetes.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.