Role of somatostatin and its analogues in the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Somatostatin secreted by pancreatic D cells is a potent inhibitor of insulin, glucagon and growth hormone secretion, as well as other cells. The role of abnormal pancreatic D-cell function in diabetes mellitus is unclear. However, development of long-acting selective somatostatin analogs might prove useful in the treatment of diabetes.