Progress continues at the U. of Alabama..in Birmingham on the effects of Verapamil a calcium channel blocker which treats hypertension and arrhythmia.
This may turn the tide for T1 diabetics...T1 diabetes progresses as high blood sugar kills Beta cells (found in the pancreas) which secrete insulin. The hyperglycemic effect involves the action of a protein TXNIP which reqires Calcium for its action which is to trigger apoptosis in the Beta Cells...
Verapamil prevents Ca transfer to TXNIP. This blocks the actions of TXNIP
The original thoughts were Verapamil might be of some benefit in very early stage type ond DMs but would not help if the condition was advanced..Animal studies on going suggest that is not the case and that once apoptosis is halted there may be regeneration and new Beta Cells...