Type 2 diabetes--effect of compensatory oversecretion as a reason for beta-cell collapse.

Insulin secretion declines progressively before and during the course of type 2 diabetes. Evidence indicates that this process is, in part, secondary to increased requirement for insulin secretion that is brought about by insulin resistance and by hyperglycemia. The effects of over-secretion extend far beyond a mere reduction of available insulin stores and may cause not only functional but also structural damage. The time is ripe for clinical studies, which explore the therapeutic potential of reducing over-secretion.