Treatment of diabetes

A method for treating diabetes, the method comprising:

• contacting ex vivo a plurality of cells with a composition comprising at least one FACGINT and a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand, provided that the FACGINT is not an EGF receptor ligand;
• and administering the cells to a mammal in need thereof, thereby treating the diabetes.

6-8. (canceled)

11-12. (canceled)

A method for increasing proliferation of pancreatic islet precursor cell proliferation in a mammal, the method comprising administering to the mammal a composition according to claim 16 in an amount sufficient to increase proliferation of islet precursor cells in pancreatic tissue of said mammal.

14-15. (canceled)

A composition comprising a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand and a factor for complementing gastrin for islet neogenesis therapy (a FACGINT), provided that the FACGINT is not an EGF receptor ligand.

(canceled)

(canceled)

22-31. (canceled)

A method for reducing an amount of stem cells needed for transplantation to treat human diabetes, the method comprising administering to a recipient in need thereof an effective dose of each of a gastrin/CCK receptor ligand and a FACGINT provided that the FACGINT is not an EGF receptor ligand, wherein the amount of cells needed is reduced in comparison to an amount of cells needed in the absence of administering the effective dose to an otherwise identical recipient.

33-46. (canceled)

49-90. (canceled)

93-97. (canceled)

99-100. (canceled)

102-107. (canceled)

109-110. (canceled)