ß cells

b cells are the cells within the body that are responsible for producing insulin. They are found clustered together in small groups known as islets of Langerhans within the pancreas, an organ that is located just below your stomach. There are a number of different cells within the pancreas, however the b cells make up for over 70% of them.

The main function of the b cells is to produce insulin and amylin, which are released into the blood following a meal. Together they aim to prevent a large rise in blood sugar concetration following the digestion of food.

There are 2 main types of diabetes, type 1 and 2, which both have different causes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body starts to destroy the b cells within your pancreas, whereas type 2 occurs when the b cells stop producing insulin or your body can no longer respond to it. Both of these conditions can be easily treated, either with diet and exercise or insulin supplementation.

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