Insulin - from secretion to action

Insulin is a hormone secreted exclusively by beta cells of the pancreas in response to an increase of blood glucose levels. The release of insulin requires the fusion of insulin containing secretary granules with the plasma membrane through exocytosis. Secreted insulin acts as a messenger to instruct our cells to absorb glucose, in effect reducing blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the beta cells can no longer compensate for the prolonged high elevations of glucose leading to insufficient insulin secretion. In this talk I will discuss insulin synthesis and secretion in beta cells and its effect on the body.