While hyperglycemia can be reversed, some of its consequences continue.  Studies have shown that constant exposure of beta cells to high plasma glucose causes reduction of insulin gene expression and even worse, beta cell death; this is known as glucotoxicity 5,6,7. High free fatty acid concentration in our blood, no matter directly from fat or converted from sugar in our diets, has similar effects on beta cell function; this is known as lipotoxicity.  Several mechanisms have been proposed for glucotoxicity and lipotocixity induced beta-cell dysfunction and death, such as: reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in mitochondria and inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress.