A newly diagnosed diabetic is receiving consultation about the disease process. The nurse explains that insulin is normally secreted from the:
Explanation
• Insulin is synthesized and released from the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans, which is the endocrine section of the pancreas
• The endocrine portion accounts for only 2% of the pancreas
• Insulin release is primarily stimulated by glucose, but it is also stimulated by amino acids, acetylcholine, and certain drugs
• Insulin is released from the beta cells in two phases. It is released rapidly in response to increased glucose levels and slowly to maintain a consistent glucose level throughout the body