[Skip to Content]
Aetna Better Health of Virginia (Medicaid) is a KidsHealth Educational Partner
parents

Definition: Beta Cells

Beta Cells

Beta cells are cells that make insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Beta cells are found in the pancreas within clusters of cells known as islets. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly destroys the beta cells. Without beta cells, the pancreas can't make insulin.

© Copyright Aetna Better Health of Virginia