The adenosine, adrenergic and opioid pathways in the regulation of insulin secretion, beta cell proliferation and regeneration

Insulin, a key hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells precisely regulates glucose metabolism in vertebrates. In type 1 diabetes, the beta cell mass is destroyed, a process triggered by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. This ultimately results in absolute insulin deficiency and dysregulated glucose metabolism resulting in a number of detrimental pathophysiological effects. The traditional focus of treating type 1 diabetes has been to control blood sugar levels through the administration of exogenous insulin.
Source: Pancreatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research