The effect of phensuccinal, a low-toxic succinic acid derivative, on the function of pancreatic beta-cells in the evolution of absolute insulin insufficiency was studied in rats with neonatally induced streptozotocin diabetes mellitus. Phensuccinal (25 mg/kg body weight) prevented disorders in the secretory response of beta-cells to glucose load at all stages of the study (2, 5, and 14 days after diabetes induction). This effect was realized via stimulation of the regenerative processes in the insulin-producing system of the pancreas and activation of the antioxidant system in diabetic animals.