The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sertraline and paroxetine, improve islet beta-cell mass and function in vitro.

Our data demonstrate that sertraline and paroxetine act directly on beta cells to enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and stimulate beta-cell mass expansion by increasing proliferation and decreasing apoptosis. These drugs are therefore likely to be appropriate for treating depression in people with type 2 diabetes.