Beta Cell Death Mechanism in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview

Abstract

Beta cell failure is central to the development and progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This article examines the mechanism of beta cell death in T2D. Chronic hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are toxic to beta cells and progressively lead to apoptosis. It is triggered by metabolic alterations such as glucotoxicity, lipotoxicity, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Our review focuses on the apoptosis of beta cell induced by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, beta cell fatigue, and inflammation. This review may suggest areas for future research on the therapeutic options for protecting beta cell function/mass by targeting various underlying factors and mechanisms with a role in disease progression.