Related Words

Insulin: A hormone secreted by the pancreas that stimulates the uptake of glucose by body cells. Insulin works antagonistically with glucagon to control blood sugar levels.

Pancreas: A gland in the abdominal cavity that secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine and also secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood, where they regulate blood glucose . . . View Full Definition

Pancreatic Islets: Clusters of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon; also known as islets of Langerhans.

Glucagon: A hormone responsible for the regulation of blood sugar levels.

Diabetes Mellitus: A disorder associated with defects in insulin action. Type I diabetes is characterized by inadequate insulin secretion; Type II diabetes is characterized by impaired insulin secretion in res . . . View Full Definition

Hormones: Regulators of various biological processes through their ability to control the action of enzymes. Made from proteins, such as insulin for blood sugar control, or cholesterol for testosteron . . . View Full Definition