In our body, there is a group of key cells that continue to perform an important task, which is the production and secretion of insulin. These cells are called beta cells and are located in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is essential for regulating our blood sugar, and unfortunately, when problems occur with these beta cells, it can lead to various diseases such as diabetes.
Beta cells are responsible for the synthesis and release of insulin and its companion hormone amylin. The main function of insulin is to facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells and help the body convert it into energy or store it for future use. Amylin regulates the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream after eating, slowing down the absorption of nutrients.
Beta cells make up approximately 50-70% of human insulin cells, and they play an important role in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Beta cells are the only site of insulin synthesis in mammals. When blood sugar rises, insulin is released and is synthesized through the following process: First, the insulin gene is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into preproinsulin. Proinsulin is then cleaved into insulin and C-peptide within the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and stored in secretory granules until release.
When glucose levels in the blood rise, beta cells release insulin in a process called glucose-stimulated insulin release (GSIS). This process involves several key components, including glucose uptake, its metabolism, closure of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, and opening of voltage-dependent calcium channels, ultimately leading to the release of insulin.
Glucose enters beta cells and, after a series of reactions, ultimately triggers the release of insulin.
The normal function of beta cells is essential for maintaining blood sugar stability, and its dysfunction is closely related to the development of diabetes. Especially type 1 diabetes, which causes the destruction of beta cells due to an autoimmune reaction, resulting in insulin deficiency.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of beta cells. The autoimmune system attacks insulin-producing cells, resulting in the inability to effectively regulate blood sugar. While patients can manage symptoms with regular insulin injections, this is not always convenient or effective.
In contrast, type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by genetic factors and metabolic syndrome. Although beta cells can still secrete insulin, the body's resistance to insulin increases, which may eventually lead to beta cell fatigue and decreased function.
Patients with type 2 diabetes may face a significant decrease in beta cell function, which is a major challenge in health management.
Researchers around the world continue to work hard to understand the pathology of diabetes and beta cell function. New technologies are constantly being applied to study beta cells, including transcriptomics and calcium imaging, which can provide insights into the operation and health of beta cells.
In research into type 1 diabetes, scientists are trying to develop new treatments that can effectively regenerate beta cells in the body. Although the current ability to replenish beta cells seems limited, some studies suggest that using stem cell technology to create a stable source of beta cells will be a promising treatment option in the future.
The health of beta cells is critical to our overall health, and understanding their complex role in insulin production not only reveals the root cause of diabetes but may also help us find new treatment options. As we face these challenges, will there be a way to completely cure diabetes in the future?