Khaberni - A study concluded that one of the most common treatments for diabetes may accelerate the worsening of type 2 diabetes, due to the loss of functional identity in insulin-producing cells.
“Sulphonylureas” drugs have been used to treat type 2 diabetes since the early 1950s and continue to be among the most common medications for managing this condition.
Common examples of these drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol), and glyburide (Diabeta, Micronized). However, evidence shows that their efficacy may decrease with long-term use, and they may produce more side effects than several newer diabetes medications.
A new research paper from the University of Barcelona, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Bellvitge University Hospital, and the CIBERDEM Center for Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases, published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, indicates that “Sulphonylureas” drugs might interfere with the normal function of insulin-producing cells.
The study found that these drugs can lead to cellular identity loss in pancreatic beta cells, limiting their ability to release insulin and possibly accelerating the worsening of type 2 diabetes.
Laboratory results showed that cells treated with these drugs gradually began to lose their innate ability to produce insulin, as their gene activity critical for specialized functions decreased and their death rate increased. Researchers explained this phenomenon as “functional identity loss” in beta cells, where they shift from insulin-producing cells to ineffective cells, even while still alive.
This effect is associated with increased internal stress in the endoplasmic reticulum within the cell, a section responsible for manufacturing important proteins such as insulin. As the drug intake continues, this condition worsens, which may explain why these drugs lose their effectiveness over time, a situation medically known as “secondary failure of sulphonylurea”.
This discovery opens a door to hopeful research. Since the problem lies in “identity loss” and not “cell death,” the process is theoretically reversible. This directs attention towards future research aimed at developing treatments that restore the normal functional capabilities of cells, potentially representing a new approach to addressing long-term pancreatic function deterioration in diabetes patients.
Researchers emphasized that these findings do not mean an immediate cessation of medication use, but provide a scientific explanation for one of the challenges in diabetes treatment, highlighting the importance of regular follow-ups and treatment plan evaluations with the treating physician, especially with the availability of newer treatment options.
