The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatuses for effecting excitation or inhibition of small sensory nerve fibers, such as C-afferent fibers, by electrical stimulation of nerves innervating the pancreas in diabetic subjects. In an aspect the methods are directed to effecting insulin production and for the treatment of diabetes. This invention includes a closed or open loop feedback control system in which biomarker levels are monitored in order to direct electrical stimulation. An implantable or external neural stimulation device is also provided.