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Defects in Insulin Secretion and Action in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

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Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by defects in insulin action and insulin secretion. Although insulin resistance manifests early during the prediabetic state, a failing β-cell function unable to overcome insulin resistance at target tissues determines the onset of T2DM. This review focuses on recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired regulation of the enteroinsular axis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress are currently the subjects of intensive research. In addition, the adipose tissue has emerged as a major endocrine organ that secretes a growing list of adipocytokines with diverse central and peripheral metabolic effects. The role of a growing number of candidate genes and transcription factors regulating insulin action and secretion is also discussed.

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Disclosure

Dr. Devjit Tripathy has received research support from Takeda Pharmaceuticals. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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  1. Division of Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA

    Devjit Tripathy & Alberto O. Chavez

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  1. Devjit Tripathy
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  2. Alberto O. Chavez
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Correspondence to Devjit Tripathy.

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Tripathy, D., Chavez, A.O. Defects in Insulin Secretion and Action in the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Curr Diab Rep 10, 184–191 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-010-0115-5

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