Targeting β-cell mass in type 2 diabetes: Promise and limitations of new drugs based on incretins

Progressive insulin secretory defects, due to either functional abnormalities of the pancreatic β-cells or a reduction in β-cell mass, are the cornerstone of type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based drugs hold the potential to improve glucose tolerance by immediate favorable effect on β-cell physiology as well as by expanding or at least maintaining β-cell mass, which may delay the progression of the disease. Long-term studies in humans are needed to elaborate on these effects.