Overview

Much of the development of type 2 diabetes can be traced to a cluster of cells in the pancreas, known as the Islets of Langerhans—or simply as beta cells. Beta-cell dysfunction or loss of cell mass appears to result in the hallmark symptom of diabetes, impaired or reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

Pancreatic beta cells have long been the focus of research to unravel this complex disease. Yet the precise etiology of insulin resistance is still not yet clearly understood. On February 24, 2004, leading experts in the field of endocrinology, biotechnology, pharmacology, and imaging technology gathered at the Academy in New York to share their findings. The symposium also explored approaches to restoring pancreatic function in type 2 diabetes.