How does your pancreas regulate blood sugar levels?

The pancreas regulates blood sugar through two key hormones produced by clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans. When blood glucose rises after eating, beta cells release insulin, which signals cells throughout the body to absorb glucose for energy or storage, lowering blood sugar back to normal levels. When blood glucose drops too low, alpha cells release glucagon, which signals the liver to break down stored glycogen and release glucose back into the bloodstream. These two hormones work in opposition to maintain a narrow, healthy blood glucose range. The pancreas continuously monitors glucose levels and adjusts hormone secretion accordingly. In type 1 diabetes, beta cells are destroyed, eliminating insulin production, while type 2 diabetes involves impaired insulin response or insufficient production.