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.

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.
Hormone: Released by special cells, hormones are chemicals that tell other cells what to do. For instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas. When released, insulin tells other cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy.
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.
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.