Diabetes occurs when damaged or non-existing insulin cells are unable to produce insulin, a hormone that is necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. Many patients wtih diabetes take insulin supplements to regulate these levels.

In collaboration with other international researchers, researchers at the University of Bergen have discovered that glucagon-producing cells in the pancreas can change identity and adapt to do the job for the neighboring damaged or missing insulin cells.

"We are possibly facing the start of a totally new form of treatment for diabetes, where the body can produce its own insulin, with some start-up help," says Researcher Luiza Ghila at the Raeder Research Lab, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen (UiB).

Cells can change identity

The researchers discovered that only about 2% of the neighboring cells in the pancreas could change identity. However, even that amount makes the researchers optimistic about potential new treatment approaches.

For the first time in history, researchers were able to describe the mechanisms behind the process of cell identity. It turns out that this is not a passive process but is a result of signals from the surrounding cells. In the study, researchers were able to increase the number of insulin-producing cells to 5% by using a drug that influenced the inter-cell signaling process. Thus far, the results have only been shown in animal models.

"If we gain more knowledge about the mechanisms behind this cell flexibility, then we could possibly be able to control the process and change more cells' identities so that more insulin can be produced," Ghila explains.

Possible new treatment against cell death

According to the researchers, the new discovery is not only good news for diabetes treatment.

"The cells' ability to change identity and function may be a decisive discovery in treating other diseases caused by cell death, such as Alzheimer's disease and cellular damage due to heart attacks," says Luiza Ghila.

Facts: Pancreas

There are three different types of cells in the pancreas: alpha cells, beta cells and delta cells. These produce different kinds of hormones for blood sugar regulation.

The cells make clusters. Alpha cells produce glucagon, which increases blood sugar levels. Beta cells produce insulin, which decreases glucagon levels. Delta cells produce somatostatin, which controls the regulation of the alpha and beta cells.

People with diabetes have decreased beta cell function resulting in constant high blood sugar levels.