​NTU scientists discover new way to promote insulin production in pre-diabetes phase

NTU scientists have discovered that a type of immune cell known as ‘pancreatic islet macrophages’ is capable of promoting insulin production during the pre-diabetes phase. This may lead to targeted treatments to help prevent Type 2 pre-diabetic patients from turning fully diabetic. Previously, macrophages were not known to produce or regulate insulin.

“There are currently more than 300,000 people in Singapore and many more around the world who are living and coping with Type 2 diabetes,” Asst Prof Ali said. “However, even more people are living in the pre-diabetes phase and if we could detect it early, it would be much easier to reverse any negative progression of the condition.” 

The study, supported by the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), was published in American Journal of Physiology – Endocrinology and Metabolism.