Which cells in the pancreas are responsible for insulin production?

The cells in the pancreas that are responsible for insulin production are the beta cells. These specialized cells are located in the islets of Langerhans, which are clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas. When blood glucose levels rise, typically after eating, beta cells respond by secreting insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin plays a crucial role in glucose regulation by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly muscle and fat cells, thus lowering blood sugar levels.

This process is essential for maintaining energy homeostasis and preventing hyperglycemia. The functionality of beta cells is vital for proper metabolic health, and their dysfunction or destruction is a central feature of diabetes mellitus. The other types of cells in the pancreas, such as alpha cells and delta cells, produce different hormones (glucagon and somatostatin, respectively), while acinar cells are primarily involved in producing digestive enzymes, not hormones.