Pancreas Function and Diabetes Mellitus Overview

Pancreas

Organ with Islets of Langerhans containing specialized hormone-producing cells like beta cells for insulin and alpha cells.

Islets of Langerhans

Specialized cells in the pancreas responsible for hormone production.

Insulin

Hormone released by beta cells that stimulates liver cells to take up glucose for storage as glycogen, used by body cells for energy, or converted to fat.

Glucagon

Hormone released by alpha cells that stimulates the liver to break down glycogen, releasing glucose.

High Blood Sugar

Condition where beta cells release insulin, liver cells take up glucose for storage, and body cells use it for energy or convert it to fat.

Low Blood Sugar

Condition where alpha cells release glucagon, stimulating the liver to release glucose from glycogen, with some from adipose tissue.

Diabetes Mellitus

Chronic disease characterized by type 1 (insufficient insulin production) and type 2 (ineffective insulin use), leading to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Type 1 Diabetes

Juvenile onset, insulin-dependent condition where beta cells cannot produce enough insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

Adult onset condition where insulin receptors become unresponsive and insulin production decreases.

Gestational Diabetes

Temporary diabetes occurring during pregnancy.