In certain embodiments methods are provided for the therapeutic or prophylactic amelioration of one or more symptoms or disorders associated with metabolic syndrome. In various embodiments the methods involve administering to a subject in need thereof, a GABA receptor agonist, in an amount sufficient to ameliorate said one or more symptoms. In certain embodiments methods are provided for the prophylaxis or treatment of type I diabetes and related pathologies that involve the use of GABA or GABA agonists in combination with certain other compounds (e.g., one more antigens (e.g., GAD) that have a therapeutic effect in type I diabetes and/or an anti-CD3 antibody, an anti-CD20 antibody, exendin-4, and/or or a pro-insulin therapeutic).