Scientists have found a new way to help people with diabetes by increasing the number of insulin-producing cells, called β cells, in the pancreas. Diabetes happens when there are not enough β cells to make insulin, which controls blood sugar levels. Right now, no treatments can increase β cell numbers. But researchers discovered that a combination of two treatments can make β cells grow and work better.

In experiments with mice, scientists used a combination of a DYRK1A inhibitor and a GLP1 receptor agonist. These treatments helped the mice’s β cells multiply and improved their function and survival. After three months of this treatment, the number of β cells in the mice increased by four to seven times. This made their blood sugar levels normal again, even after stopping the treatment for a month.

These findings are exciting because they show a potential new way to treat diabetes by targeting the body’s own cells. If this works in humans, it could mean a big step forward in diabetes treatment. However, more research is needed to make sure this combination therapy is safe and effective for people. Scientists are planning to test this therapy in human trials next.

Diabetes affects about 537 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to double by 2050. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the immune system destroys β cells, and Type 2, where the body becomes resistant to insulin, leading to β cell burnout.

This discovery offers hope that in the future, diabetes can be treated more effectively by regenerating the body’s own insulin-producing cells.