What Is The Function Of Islets Of Langerhans?
The Islets of Langerhans are specific cells within the pancreas, whose main function is the production of insulin which enables the body’s cells to metabolise sugar, and regulates sugar levels in the bloodstream. In Type 1 diabetics the body’s immune system goes a little crazy and attacks and destroys these islet cells, leaving the person needing to inject insulin (usually sysnthesized by genetic recombination these days) for the rest of their lives. There has been a modicum of success however, where compatible islet cells have been transplanted into the diabetic’s liver where they may still produce insulin. Research is obviously ongoing until there is a total cure for the condition.
