BackgroundTo explore the association of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) SNHG1/ miR-195 axis with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and islet function.MethodsThe expression of SNHG1 and miR-195 was measured in T2DM patients and in healthy subjects. Correlation between indciators was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. INS-1 cells were used to perform the cell function assays. Insulin secretion by INS-1 was detected using ELISA. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry was used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Luciferase report assay was to used to verify the target of SNHG1.ResultsThe expression of SNHG1 was increased and miR-195 level was decreased in the serum of T2DM patients. Both SNHG1 and miR-195 could be biomarkers for T2DM diagnosis. The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c were positively related to SNHG1 and negatively related to miR-195. SNHG1 inhibited insulin secretion, and cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of INS-1 cells via binding to miR-195.ConclusionsDetection of SNHG1 and miR-195 might predict T2DM. SNHG1 could suppress proliferation and insulin secretion, but promote apoptosis of INS-1 cells via sponging miR-195.