Pancreatic beta-cells, situated in the islets of Langerhans, are integral to glucose homeostasis through their role in insulin production and secretion. These cells respond to elevated blood glucose levels by releasing insulin, which facilitates glucose uptake by peripheral tissues, thus regulating blood sugar levels. The secretion of insulin is influenced by glucose concentration, incretins, and autonomic nervous system activity. Dysfunctional beta-cell activity is central to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, with Type-1 diabetes resulting from autoimmune destruction of beta-cells and Type- 2 diabetes involving insulin resistance and eventual beta-cell failure. Current research is focused on understanding beta-cell biology, exploring regenerative approaches, and developing advanced therapeutic strategies such as gene therapy and artificial pancreas systems to improve diabetes management and treatment.
