Role of islet β cell autophagy in the pathogenesis of diabetes

•β Cell autophagy is important for β cell mass, structure, and function.•β Cell autophagy level could be a factor in the progression from obesity to diabetes.•β Cell autophagy is important to prevent amyloidogenic hIAPP accumulation.•Autophagy enhancers may enhance β cell function and improve metabolic profile.

While the role of autophagy in the physiology of endocrine organs and the development of metabolic disorders or diabetes has been investigated, the relationship between the pancreatic islet and autophagy has not been explored extensively. In this review, studies on the possible involvement of dysregulated autophagy in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and diabetes will be summarized with an emphasis on the autophagic process in pancreatic islet β cells. Novel findings regarding the role of autophagy in human β cell pathology and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) characterized by islet amyloid deposition will be discussed. Careful design of agents enhancing autophagic activity in β cells might serve as a novel approach towards therapeutics for the treatment of diabetes.