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GCSE Biology · key term
Cells in the pancreas that produce the hormone insulin.
Used by Edexcel
Specification 7.15 · Paper 2
Revise: Type 1 DiabetesThe immune system normally protects the body against pathogens, but in type 1 diabetes it mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Their destruction may take place over several years. The pancreas consequently produces little or no insulin, so blood glucose concentration cannot be controlled normally and can become too high.
For the cause, link the steps clearly: the immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells → little or no insulin is produced → blood glucose concentration cannot be controlled normally.
Distinguish control from cure: insulin controls blood glucose concentration, but it does not restore the destroyed beta cells.
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