Abstract: This invention relates to a new method of treating diabetes in a population of subjects that is characterised as having severe insulin-resistant diabetes. This population is typically obese, insulin resistance and hyperglycemic and has an elevated risk of diabetic kidney disease. The compound of formula I has been found to treat high body weight, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia and to have a positive effect on microvascular perfusion in glomeruli and so is particularly suited for the treatment of this patient group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming pancreatic hormone-producing endocrine cells in vitro, wherein pancreatic stem cells are treated with one or more retinoids and/or retinoic acid in vitro and cultured. Especially the dorsal pancreatic bud is used and to the cells obtained by the method. Further, it relates to the use of the pancreatic hormone-producing endocrine cells, for the production of a pharmaceutical composition for transplantation and/or treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It also relates to a method for treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes by administrating the hormone-producing endocrine cells to individuals in need thereof. The invention also regards the use of one or more retinoids and/or retinoic acid for the differentiation, in vitro of pancreatic stem cells into pancreatic hormone-producing endocrine cells, such as glucagon producing cells, and in particular, insulin producing ?-cells.

Abstract: A diabetes type 2 model laboratory animal is disclosed which comprises cells over-expressing GPR40 under the control of the Ipfl/Pdx 1 promoter. Also disclosed is the use of the model animal for the identification of agonists or antagonists towards GPR40, useful for the development of pharmaceuticals towards treatment of the disease.

Abstract: A transgenic diabetes type II model laboratory animal is disclosed which comprises ?-cells expressing a dominant negative form (dnFGFR1c) of FGFR1c. Also disclosed is the use of the Ipf1/pdx1 promoter for controlling expression of FGFR1c; ?-cells in which the expression of PC1/3 is down-regulated or absent or which are competent to express a dominant negative form (dnFGFR1c) of FGFR1c; mature ?-cells incompetent to express Glut2 or in which the processing of proinsulin is substantially impaired; a method of preventing or treating type II diabetes.

Abstract: A transgenic diabetes type II model laboratory animal is disclosed which comprises &bgr;-cells expressing a dominant negative form (dnFGFR1c) of FGFR1c. Also disclosed is the use of the Ipf1/Pdx1 promoter for controlling expression of FGFR1c; &bgr;-cells in wich the expression of PC1/3 is down-regulated or absent or which are competent to express a dominant negative form (dnFGFR1c) of FGFR1c; mature &bgr;-cells incompetent to express Glut2 or in which the processing of proinsulin is substantially impaired; a method of preventing or treating type II diabetes.