beta cells

Beta cells are specialized cells located in the pancreas that play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. They produce and release insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy. When you eat, your blood sugar rises, prompting beta cells to release insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. In conditions like diabetes, the function or number of beta cells can be impaired, leading to difficulties in managing blood sugar. Understanding beta cells is essential for grasping how the body maintains energy balance and overall health.