insulin

January 4, 2024

Study shows liraglutide results in increased insulin sensitivity independent of weight loss

By Jill Clendening
When half of their six children were diagnosed with what was then believed to be Type 1 diabetes, David and Ellen Pursell decided their family would participate in research related to the health condition. This family photo from several years ago includes, seated, from left, Peggy, Ramsey and Chrissy. Standing, from left, are Vaughan, Ellen, Martin, David and Parker.
March 9, 2023

Family’s participation key to advancing diabetes research

A study of one family from Alabama has led Vanderbilt researchers to discover that insulin deficiency, independent of the autoimmunity associated with Type 1 diabetes, is the principal factor leading to a markedly smaller pancreas.

By Jill Clendening
Insulin in vials
May 20, 2021

Beta cell regeneration

Vanderbilt researchers dissected the complex microenvironment of the pancreatic islet to discover the signals that drive beta cell regeneration — as a possible treatment for diabetes.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 4, 2021

Targeting glucagon action in diabetes

Disrupting the action of glucagon — a pancreatic hormone that works to raise blood glucose — restores functional insulin-producing cells in mouse models of type 1 diabetes and may be a promising treatment strategy.

By Leigh MacMillan
Insulin in vials
February 18, 2021

Gene variant and glucose metabolism

Genetic variation that impacts glucose- and insulin-related signaling affects responses to type 2 diabetes treatments and warrants further study.

By Leigh MacMillan
July 9, 2020

Keeping beta cells “fit”

Vanderbilt cell biologists are defining the factors that help beta cells in the pancreas stay healthy, secrete insulin and prevent diabetes initiation and progression.

By Leigh MacMillan
December 4, 2019

Genetic screen in worms reveals critical step in insulin synthesis

The identification of a protein important for insulin synthesis may hold clues for understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes.
By Leigh MacMillan
August 22, 2019

Discovery may point to better treatments for Type 1 diabetes

Researchers have made a paradigm-shifting discovery that could lead to new treatments, better health and longer life for patients with Type 1 diabetes.
By Bill Snyder
July 29, 2019

New role for microtubules in diabetes

Microtubules — part of the cell's cytoskeleton — regulate the secretion of insulin, suggesting that they may be a new target for treating diabetes.
By Bill Snyder
January 17, 2019

Building a pancreas

Vanderbilt investigators are defining the genetic programs that control the development of pancreatic beta cells — studies that could inform new cellular or regenerative therapies for diabetes.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 11, 2018

Insulin accelerant

It’s possible to increase the permeability of blood vessels and accelerate insulin action in muscle, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.
By Laura Daniel
January 25, 2018

Study may point to new ways to reverse insulin resistance

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered how insulin crosses the capillary endothelium to exit blood vessels and stimulate skeletal muscle cells — a major finding that may lead to new ways to reverse insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes.
By Bill Snyder
September 28, 2017

Cellular calcium handling in diabetes

Potassium channels in a cellular organelle regulate calcium flux and appear to play a critical role in pancreatic beta cell health.
By Leigh MacMillan