Method, System and Apparatus for Control of Pancreatic Beta Cell Function to Improve Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Production

Abstract

The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatuses for effecting excitation or inhibition of small sensory nerve fibers, such as C-afferent fibers, by electrical stimulation of nerves innervating the pancreas in diabetic subjects. In an aspect the methods are directed to effecting insulin production and for the treatment of diabetes. This invention includes a closed or open loop feedback control system in which biomarker levels are monitored in order to direct electrical stimulation. An implantable or external neural stimulation device is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for preserving, restoring, or affecting pancreatic beta cell function in a subject comprising:
 (a) electrically stimulating C-afferent sensory nerve fibers innervating pancreatic beta cells in a subject, in which said electrical stimulation serves to modulate secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from said C-afferent sensory nerve fibers;   (b) determining a level of a biomarker in said subject; and   (c) repeating said electrical stimulation as a function of the level of said biomarker.