Islet cells and beta cells

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Julie Bove - 10 Mar 2006 16:24 GMT

Are these two things different? I thought it was the beta cells that were
destroyed as diabetes progressed. But my Endo. said he thought perhaps most
of my islet cells had died off and this was causing my body not to recover
as quickly any more when I eat, hence the spikes I sometimes eat after
non-carby meals. He also said that Byetta is supposed to help restore islet
cells. He said the new form supposedly available this fall in the pill form
will help to preserve remaining islet cells, possibly making it better for a
newly diagnosed type 2.

My confusion lies in the two terms islet cells and beta cells. Are they the
same thing? Or different?

Signature

See my webpage:
http://mysite.verizon.net/juliebove/index.htm

Reply to this Message

Nicky - 10 Mar 2006 17:02 GMT

> My confusion lies in the two terms islet cells and beta cells. Are they
> the
> same thing? Or different?

Beta cells are part of the islets of Langerhans. They produce insulin; the
alpha cells produce glucagon, in a related action. I have no idea what delta
cells do (and whether or not there's a gamma cell!)
http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/pancreas/anatomy.html

Nicky.

Signature

A1c 10.5/5.4/<6 T2 DX 05/2004
1g Metformin, 100ug Thyroxine
95/74/72Kg

Reply to this Message

Julie Bove - 10 Mar 2006 22:23 GMT

> > My confusion lies in the two terms islet cells and beta cells. Are they
> > the
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> alpha cells produce glucagon, in a related action. I have no idea what delta
> cells do (and whether or not there's a gamma cell!)

http://arbl.cvmbs.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/endocrine/pancreas/anatomy.html

There are delta cells too? Gah! Somewhere, I have a big, thick, expensive
book on diabetes that I bought last year. I'll bet it's in there somewhere
too, but stuff like this tends to go over my head. Thanks!

Signature

See my webpage:
http://mysite.verizon.net/juliebove/index.htm

Reply to this Message

J.C. Hartmann - 10 Mar 2006 17:12 GMT

> My confusion lies in the two terms islet cells and beta cells. Are they the
> same thing? Or different?

Within the pancreas are varying types of tissue. The pancreas and its
functions are divided into what are called the *Endocrine* pancreas and
the *Exocrine* pancreas. One produces hormones and the latter produces
digestive enzymes, like amylase, which digests fat, trypsin for protein,
and lipase for carbohydrates. It is located in the curve of the
duodenum, just below where the stomach empties into the small bowel.
It's kinda cone shaped.

Within the endocrine pancreas is a very small sub-structure called the
Islets of Langerhans, named for the German researcher who first
identified them. Within the islets are various types of cells which
actually produce the hormones. These cells are called the alpha-cells
(which produce glucagon), the beta-cells (which produce insulin), the
delta-cells (which produce somatostatin).

I think your doc was just saying something like "Your Ford needs a brake
job." vs. "Your Taurus needs a brake job."

Jim

Reply to this Message

Anil - 10 Mar 2006 18:21 GMT

Julie,

Jim has provided a nice clear explanation for the two commonly used
terms Islet cells and Beta Cells within the context of Diabetes. In
fact I was not even aware of the delta-cells! But then again areas of
my knowledge darkness are almost as big as this universe!

Until you asked that question I too lacked the clarity. After reading
your question I did some Goggling and found following link easy read.

http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/pancreaticislet/

Thanks for asking that question.

Anil

Reply to this Message

Julie Bove - 10 Mar 2006 22:28 GMT

> Julie,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Thanks for asking that question.

Thanks! I think I got myself confused because I've read about the islet
transplant for type 1's but didn't pay much attention to it since I am type
1.

Signature

See my webpage:
http://mysite.verizon.net/juliebove/index.htm

Reply to this Message

Julie Bove - 10 Mar 2006 22:25 GMT

> > My confusion lies in the two terms islet cells and beta cells. Are they the
> > same thing? Or different?
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> I think your doc was just saying something like "Your Ford needs a brake
> job." vs. "Your Taurus needs a brake job."

Ah, okay. Now I get it. Thanks!!

Signature

See my webpage:
http://mysite.verizon.net/juliebove/index.htm

Reply to this Message

Uncle Enrico - 10 Mar 2006 22:34 GMT

Has it been established in humans that byetta restores islet/beta cells?
I've read that islet cell restoration has been shown in animal studies but I
haven't read that this has been established for us homosapiens. I suppose
this might be difficult to establish without autopsies. Inferences might be
drawn from improved A1C's after Byetta is withdrawn for a period of time.

Also, I read that in Type II pancreases that have been overworked for
years, the beta cells deposit a protein at the base of the cells that
interferes with the cells' function and appears to lead to the demise of the
beta cells.

If this is true, how would a substance like Byetta which causes the beta
cells to produce more insulin (in response to carb ingestion) not lead to a
faster rate of deposition of this problem protein?

Here's hoping someone who knows more than I can clear up my confusion.

Many thanks.

> Are these two things different? I thought it was the beta cells that were
> destroyed as diabetes progressed. But my Endo. said he thought perhaps
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> the
> same thing? Or different?

Reply to this Message