Targeting β‐cell functions in therapy for type 2 diabetes

Recently, Leahy et al. issued a “consensus statement” in regard to targeting β‐cell function in therapy for type 2 diabetes that recommends continued multidisciplinary efforts to realign treatment of type 2 diabetes to preserve β‐cell function by early intervention. This might be applicable not only for obese type 2 diabetes in Europe and America, but also for lean type 2 diabetes in Asia. To establish evidence, development of non‐invasive measurements of β‐cell mass for longitudinal observation during long duration of diabetes is critical. In addition, studies that clarify the development of β‐cell dysfunction with regard to both mass reduction and functional impairment are required for the development of novel strategies to preserve β‐cell function by treatment of type 2 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00117.x, 2011)