Beta cell mass in T2D Besides the well-known role of peripheral insulin resistance in the early pathogenesis of T2D, there is also evidence suggesting the importance of beta cell mass. Studies performed on autopsy material of T2D patients in various populations show a significantly reduced beta cell mass. This reduction could be explained by accelerated beta cell death in these patients. A genetic difference in beta cell mass could however also play a role. Large variations in fractional beta cell area have been shown between individuals in the pre- and postnatal growth period. Furthermore, a recent study by Brom et al. suggests that there is a large variation in beta cell mass between individuals. In this study beta cell mass was measured non-invasively in healthy subjects as well as type 1 diabetic patients by 111In-exendin-4 SPECT/CT. While the beta cell mass in these diabetic patients was found to be significantly lower than in healthy subjects, a wide range in beta cell mass was found in both groups. These results are in line with an earlier study where wide ranges in beta cell mass were found in pancreas obtained at autopsy of diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.