Methods for improving islet signaling in diabetes mellitus and for its prevention

摘要

The present invention discloses methods for therapeutically treating mammals, including but not limited to humans, to increase the relative insulin producing performance of endogenous pancreatic beta-cells, to cause differentiation of pancreatic epithelial cells into insulin producing beta-cells, to improve muscle sensitivity to insulin and other weight control efforts by the chronic oral administration of a DP IV-inhibitor. The administration causes the active form of GLP-1 and other non-nutrient stimulated growth hormones to remain biologically active longer under physiological conditions. The extended presence of such hormones, in particular in the pancreatic tissue can also facilitate differentiation and regeneration of the beta-cells already present that are in need of repair.