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This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches that not only strengthen beta cell function but also enable a causal treatment for diabetes.

Transient cytokine treatment induces acinar cell reprogramming and regenerates functional beta cell mass in diabetic mice.

But the results showed the diet regenerated a special type of cell in the pancreas called a beta cell.

Over two years of follow-up, the group that received the drug had a lower decline in a marker of beta cell function known as C-peptide.

"We wanted to replace insulin injections using nature's own solution, being the pancreatic beta cell," Melton said.