betacellförlust

Betacellförlust refers to the progressive destruction or dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells. These cells, located in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas, are responsible for producing and secreting insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. When beta cells are lost or impaired, the body's ability to produce sufficient insulin is compromised, leading to hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.

This loss of beta cells is a key pathological feature of type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own beta cells. In type 2 diabetes, while not primarily an autoimmune process, beta cell function can decline over time due to factors such as insulin resistance, chronic hyperglycemia, and genetic predisposition, contributing to the overall progression of the disease.

The consequences of betacellförlust are significant. Without adequate insulin, glucose cannot be effectively transported from the bloodstream into cells for energy, leading to a cascade of metabolic abnormalities. Over the long term, persistently elevated blood glucose levels can damage various organs and tissues, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels, potentially leading to serious complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. Research into understanding and preventing betacellförlust is a major focus in diabetes research, aiming to develop therapies that can preserve or regenerate these vital cells.