Question

What causes the pancreas cells to produce insulin?

Answer 1

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets in response to increased blood glucose levels, facilitating glucose uptake by cells. Alpha cells release glucagon to raise blood glucose when levels are low. Cell resistance or insufficient production of insulin can lead to diabetes mellitus.

Step-by-step explanation:

Insulin Production in the Pancreas

The pancreas cells produce insulin in response to rising blood glucose levels. Specifically, the beta cells within the pancreatic islets or islets of Langerhans are the cells that manufacture insulin. When a person consumes food, their blood glucose levels increase, triggering the beta cells to release insulin. This essential hormone then facilitates the uptake of glucose by the body's cells, allowing it to be used as energy or stored for future needs.

Conversely, when blood glucose levels are low, alpha cells in the pancreatic islets release glucagon, which stimulates the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, thereby increasing blood glucose levels. In this way, insulin and glucagon act in concert to maintain blood glucose homeostasis.

However, if there is target cell resistance to insulin or if the pancreas is under-producing insulin, it can lead to diabetes mellitus, characterized by persistently high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia.

Answer 2

Pancreatic beta cells produce insulin in response to increased blood glucose levels, helping cells absorb glucose and maintain blood sugar balance. Insufficient insulin production or resistance to insulin can lead to diabetes mellitus. The pancreatic islets that contain these cells also have other types which manage blood glucose regulation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are the beta cells, which are part of the pancreatic islets or islets of Langerhans. The primary stimulus for insulin secretion is the increase in blood glucose levels. Normally, when we consume food, our digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. The rise in blood glucose levels signals the beta cells in the pancreas to secrete insulin. The function of insulin is to facilitate the uptake of glucose by the body's cells so it can be used for energy. It also helps store excess glucose in the liver and muscles as glycogen for later use. Insulin plays a crucial role in keeping the blood glucose levels within a normal range.

In conditions such as diabetes mellitus, the pancreas either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or the body's cells become resistant to insulin's effects. This results in elevated blood glucose levels, also known as hyperglycemia. Contrary to insulin, the hormone glucagon, produced by alpha cells in the pancreatic islets, is released in response to low blood glucose levels. Glucagon promotes the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver, raising blood glucose levels.

The pancreatic islets comprise four types of endocrine cells, with beta cells making up approximately 75 percent of each islet. Understanding the balance and function of these cells is important for maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and preventing conditions like diabetes mellitus.