beta cell

noun

: any of the insulin-secreting pancreatic cells in the islets of Langerhans

Examples of beta cell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Bee pollen may improve the function and growth of specialized cells in the pancreas called beta cells, which release insulin.16 Bee pollen may also inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates in your intestinal tract, which could support better blood management.2 12. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Oct. 2024

Researchers have found that nutmeg contains about 25 compounds that could help control blood sugar by improving the function of your beta cells. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Sep. 2024

Healthy beta cells in the islets of the pancreas produce insulin in response to a rise in blood glucose after eating. —New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2024

In those with type 2 diabetes, beta cells become dysfunctional or less effective at producing insulin over time; type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks beta cells. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 29 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

beta cell

noun

: any of various secretory cells distinguished by their basophilic staining characters: as

a

: a pituitary basophil

b

: an insulin-secreting cell of the islets of Langerhans compare alpha cell