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Understanding the Different Types of Endocrine Cells in the Pancreatic Islets
The pancreas is an organ in the centre of the abdomen. It is made up of two compartments. These are the exocrine compartment, which contain cells that secrete enzymes into the gut to break down the food we eat, and the endocrine compartment, which contains cells that make several hormones that are secreted into the...
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Beta Cell Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes
Pancreatic beta cells make insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels in the body. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease in which these beta cells do not work properly and cannot release enough insulin to keep blood sugar at a healthy level. To release insulin, beta cells need energy. This energy...
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Amylin – Insulin’s Less-Discussed Partner
Discussions of diabetes typically focus on insulin, which is made by the beta cells in the pancreas. Notably, the beta cells also make another hormone called amylin. Indeed, these cells secrete amylin into the bloodstream whenever they secrete insulin. The hormone has several effects. It acts on alpha cells in the pancreas to inhibit their...
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Can beta cells recover or regrow? New research says maybe
Diabetes develops when the pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. This occurs due to a reduction or loss of the cells that make insulin in the pancreas. These cells are known as beta cells. Finding a safe and effective way to regrow or regenerate these cells could...
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Why do insulin-producing beta cells stop working in type 2 diabetes?
Many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are resistant to the effects of insulin. Their insulin-producing beta cells therefore need to work hard to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance and maintain normal blood sugar or glucose levels. The work to produce insulin involves producing, folding, and cutting precursors of the insulin molecule. If...
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How can cystic fibrosis cause diabetes?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by abnormalities in a gene called CFTR. This abnormality can affect many organs including the structure and function of the pancreatic ducts. These pancreatic ducts are tube-like structures that carry digestive enzymes produced in the pancreas to the intestines. When the gene is not working properly it causes the ducts...