In one embodiment, the inventive concepts include a method of treating a diabetic condition or a diabetes-related condition in a subject in need of such treatment by administering to the subject a therapeutically-effective amount of a vector comprising a nucleic acid which encodes a klotho protein or a therapeutically-effective portion of a klotho protein, wherein the klotho protein or therapeutically-effective portion of the klotho protein is expressed in vivo in pancreatic beta cells of the subject. In another embodiment, the inventive concepts include a method of treating a diabetic condition or a diabetes-related condition in a subject in need of such treatment by administering to the subject a therapeutically-effective amount of at least one of a klotho protein and a therapeutically-effective portion of the klotho protein.
