Openers of ATP-dependent K+-channels protect against a signal-transduction-linked and not freely reversible defect of insulin secretion in a rat islet transplantation model of Type 2 diabetes

Aims/hypothesis We tested whether chronic overstimulation by levels of hyperglycaemia commonly found in Type 2 diabetes can irreversibly desensitise beta cells and, if so, whether desensitisation relates to the reduction of insulin content and/or the number of beta cells.