Glycemic control releases regenerative potential of pancreatic beta cells blocked by severe hyperglycemia

Diabetogenic ablation of beta cells in mice triggers a regenerative response whereby surviving beta cells proliferate and euglycemia is regained. Here, we identify and characterize heterogeneity in response to beta cell ablation. Efficient beta cell elimination leading to severe hyperglycemia (>28 mmol/L), causes permanent diabetes with failed regeneration despite cell cycle engagement of surviving beta cells. Strikingly, correction of glycemia via insulin, SGLT2 inhibition, or a ketogenic diet for about 3 weeks allows partial regeneration of beta cell mass and recovery from diabetes, demonstrating regenerative potential masked by extreme glucotoxicity. We identify gene expression changes in beta cells exposed to extremely high glucose levels, pointing to metabolic stress and downregulation of key cell cycle genes, suggesting failure of cell cycle completion. These findings reconcile conflicting data on the impact of glucose on beta cell regeneration and identify a glucose threshold converting glycemic load from pro-regenerative to anti-regenerative.