I don't know but I have a theory. It is that if you take care and keep your diet a lc one then you will probably protect the beta cells. This theory comes from the information on cultures who have been traditionally lc, such as Native indians, Inuits, Aborigines etc. who have very low incidences of diabetes and heart disease. When Native Indians were given government hand-outs of bread, pasta etc, the rate of obesity and diabetes rose rapidly. So I think that beta cells have the ability to remain healthy, longer, if they are not bombarded with the "glorified poison" that we call carbohydrates.