Summary

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) appear to have dysfunctional islet β cells due to unknown mechanisms [Leahy JL and Pratley RE. Translational Endo Metab 2011]. Multiple new pharmacologic agents that are under development for the treatment of T2DM specifically target islet cells. This article discusses two signaling pathways in β cells that may be important drug targets, the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and potential drug targets, information on treating inflammation in adipose and skeletal tissues, as well as targeting mechanisms of glucose absorption and excretion in the treatment of T2DM.