The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity is increasing. While much is known about the function of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, knowledge about beta cell mass remains limited due to the invasive nature of current techniques. Using [68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-exendin-4 PET/CT imaging, beta cell mass can be studied non-invasively, contributing to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes and obesity. This research showed that pancreatic volume and fat are crucial markers for optimal beta cell mass and function. Additionally, studies revealed that alterations in beta cell mass could not explain remission of type 2 diabetes after bariatric surgery or its side-effect post-bariatric hypoglycemia. Furthermore, GLP-1 receptors in the pituitary of individuals with type 2 diabetes were studied. These studies showed that these receptors could not explain differences in treatment response to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Nonetheless, sex differences in these receptors were observed, which requires further elucidation.
Sevilay Tokgöz obtained her Master’s degree in Human Biology (Neurobiology track), cum laude, at the Radboud University in 2021. In September 2021, she started her PhD at the department of Medical Imaging of Radboudumc. Currently, she is working as postdoc and part-time as project manager at the department of Medical Imaging of Radboudumc.