This module explores the critical role that disrupted insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells plays in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. It looks at how research – including genome editing and stem cell research – is shedding new light on the complex intracellular triggering pathway by which healthy beta cells regulate blood glucose.
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
✓ Explain how pancreatic beta cells regulate blood glucose and the significance of dysfunctional beta cells for the secretion of insulin and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes
✓ Outline how genetic variation and expression contribute to the overall risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes
✓ Identify how beta cell research is providing new insights into the complex intracellular triggering pathway by which healthy beta cells regulate blood glucose
This module includes self-marked assessments, such as knowledge checks and/or case studies, as well as a marked final assessment, which you can attempt up to five times. To complete the module, you must review all chapters, pass the final assessment (80% pass mark), and fill in our feedback form.