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 Insulin, a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, moves glucose from the blood into the cells to use for energy. Gary Gilles, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2023 In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin. Amanda Gardner, Health, 20 Nov. 2023 Saturated fat can reduce beta cell function and reduce insulin sensitivity, Grace Derocha, RDN, CDES, MBA, a registered dietician and certified diabetes care and education specialist and spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics told Health. Michelle Pugle, Health, 25 Oct. 2023 Additionally, the unique fermentation process results in the creation of bioactive compounds that have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects that increase insulin sensitivity and the performance of beta cells in the pancreas. Kaitlin Vogel, Health, 17 Oct. 2023 The researchers hope that not only will patients be able to cut back on insulin, but also that semaglutide may turn out to protect beta cells. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 7 Sep. 2023 In Type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly attacks and destroys beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Linda Carroll, NBC News, 7 Sep. 2023 The medication binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor, which is a type of protein found in the beta cells of the pancreas and on neurons in the brain, explains Jamie Alan, Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University. Korin Miller, Women's Health, 6 Sep. 2023 In Type 2, beta cell dysfunction has multiple, complex causes, including weight gain, lifestyle changes and lack of exercise. USA TODAY, 28 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beta cell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beta cell was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near beta cell

Cite this Entry

“Beta cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beta%20cell. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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