Beta cells

Beta cells are found in the pancreas. They produce insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels. In Type 1 insulin dependent diabetes the beta cells are destroyed, so the body can no longer produce insulin.

Definitioner

Pancreas

The pancreas is a glandular organ that lies just behind the stomach, next to the liver. It produces digestive enzymes used to break down proteins in food. It contains alpha cells, which produce glucagon, and beta cells, which produce insulin.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed by the body to regulate the production and use of glucose.

Glucose

A carbohydrate and is the body's most important source of energy. It is produced from digested food, by the normal action of the liver, and is carried by the blood throughout the body.

Blood glucose levels

The measure of how much glucose (blood sugar) is in the blood. The normal level (euglycemia) is about 4 - 7 mmol/l before meals and less than 8 mmol/l after meals.

Blood glucose

The main sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food-proteins, fats, and carbohydrates-but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

Beta cells

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