Before you start exploring the pathway to insulin secretion and release, here is some helpful background knowledge.
Inside the body, the pancreas contains clusters of hormone-producing cells.
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Micro-organs located within the pancreas called islets of Langerhans are composed of different endocrine cells including insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells.
The Pancreatic Beta Cell detects rising blood glucose levels and responds by releasing insulin.
This is Insulin.
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells that regulates glucose homeostasis. It facilitates the uptake of glucose into target tissues like muscle, liver, and fat.
How does insulin work?
After a meal, increased blood glucose stimulates beta cells to release insulin, which binds to insulin receptors on target cells. This initiates a signaling cascade that promotes glucose uptake, glycogen synthesis, and lipid storage.
When there is an issue with insulin secretion, a person can get Diabetes Mellitus.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which damages other tissues in your body.
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