Ethnic Similarities and Differences in the Relationship between Beta Cell Mass and Diabetes

Abstract

Recent evidence has revealed that a change of functional beta cell mass is an essential factor of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Since beta cell dysfunction is not only present in T2DM but also progressively worsens with disease duration, to preserve or recover functional beta cell mass is important in both prevention of the development of T2DM and therapeutic strategies for T2DM. Furthermore, ethnic difference in functional beta cell mass may also need to be taken into account. Recent evidences suggest that Asians have less beta cell functional capacity compared with Caucasians. Preservation or recovery of functional beta cell mass seems to be further emphasized for Asians because of the limited capacity of beta cell. This review summarizes the current knowledge on beta cell dysfunction in T2DM and discusses the similarities and differences in functional beta cell mass between ethnicities in the face of obesity and T2DM.

Fixed‐ratio combination of basal insulin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in the treatment of Japanese people with type 2 diabetes: An innovative solution to a complex therapeutic challenge

“…Although impaired β‐cell function and insulin resistance are both common features of T2D, there appear to be differences across ethnicities in its pathophysiology 6 . The Western T2D population is characterized by rising BMI, 5‐8 increasing insulin resistance and compensatory but ineffective hyperinsulinaemia. In the Japanese population, T2D is characterized by a prominent defect in insulin secretion, and a relatively mild increase in insulin resistance 9 .…”

“…As β‐cell function declines, deterioration in glucose homeostasis progresses from the initial loss of postprandial plasma glucose control to elevation of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) 11 . Growing evidence suggests that individuals of East Asian descent, including people from Japan, have less β‐cell functional capacity compared with white people 6,9,12,13 . Therefore, treatment strategies that preserve β cells early in the course of diabetes are particularly critical for the Japanese population 9 .…”

Benefits of the fixed‐ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 units/mL and lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes: A subgroup and time‐to‐control analysis of the LixiLan JP phase 3 trials

“…4 While the dual issues of reduced insulin sensitivity and declining beta-cell function are known factors in T2D pathophysiology, the relative contributions of these factors appear to differ between ethnic groups. [5][6][7][8] In the Japanese population, T2D is characterized by a prominent decline in beta-cell function and insulin secretion, and a relatively small reduction in insulin sensitivity. 5 The importance of controlling postprandial hyperglycaemia in Japanese people has been well recognized.…”

Influence of Diet Behavior on Insulin Resistance in Hypertensive Black Sub-Saharan Africans: A Multicentric, Cross-Sectional Study

“…Aradillas-García et al found, however, that during childhood and adolescence, insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR exhibited a gradual increase with age [86]. This discrepancy in results may be due to multiple factors, including ethnicity [87] [88] [89] and confounding factors associated with aging such as obesity, decreased physical activity, medications and co-morbidities. World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases…”