New research finds that beta cells do not replicate after the age of 30, according to a recent article from DLife.
In Type 1 diabetes, the immune systems mistakenly attacks and kills beta cells, which are responsible for insulin production. In Type 2 diabetes, the number of beta cells is often insufficient. It is not conclusive whether beta cells replicate after birth. However, new research involving radioactive carbon-14, shows that after the age of 30, they do not increase.
Scientists note that there is current research involving stem cells and aimed at replacing lost beta cells in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. However, they question how difficult it will be to generate new beta cells in people over the age of 30 because the process does not happen naturally at that age.
Story from Diabetes News Hound