Insulinutskillelse

Insulinutskillelse, or insulin secretion, refers to the process by which the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas release insulin into the bloodstream. This is a critical endocrine function that plays a central role in regulating blood glucose levels. The primary stimulus for insulin secretion is an increase in blood glucose concentration, typically after a meal. When glucose levels rise, these beta cells detect the change and trigger the release of insulin.

Insulin acts as a key hormone in the body's metabolism, particularly concerning glucose. Its main function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, such as muscle and fat cells, where it can be used for energy or stored. This action lowers blood glucose levels. Insulin also promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles, and it inhibits the liver from producing more glucose.

The regulation of insulin secretion is a complex process involving various signaling pathways. Besides glucose, other factors can influence insulin release, including certain amino acids, fatty acids, and hormones. Hormones like glucagon, which has the opposite effect of insulin by raising blood glucose, also interact with insulin secretion. Conditions like diabetes mellitus are characterized by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to persistently high blood glucose levels.