Final answer:
Insulin is indeed produced exclusively by the pancreas, specifically by the beta cells in the pancreatic islets. Insulin receptors, however, are distributed throughout the body, allowing various types of cells to uptake glucose from the blood. Disruptions in insulin production or action, such as in Type 1 diabetes, can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement suggesting that insulin is only produced in the pancreas is true. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets, or islets of Langerhans. The pancreas monitors the body's blood glucose levels, and when they rise, such as after eating, insulin is secreted to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells throughout the body, helping to lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, insulin functions as a key regulator of blood sugar and is critical in the storage of excess glucose for later use.
On the other hand, insulin receptors are indeed found throughout the body. These receptors are present on many different types of cells, allowing them to respond to insulin and take up glucose from the bloodstream. The presence of insulin receptors on various cell types is vital because it enables cells in muscles, fat tissue, and the liver, among others, to absorb glucose, which is used for energy or stored for future use.
In the context of diseases such as diabetes, disruptions in insulin production or function can cause significant health issues. In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production and resulting in high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. Conversely, pancreatic tumors that overproduce glucagon, another hormone produced by the pancreas, can also affect blood glucose levels by preventing the reduction of glucose in the blood.