Glucose homeostasis via endogenous pancreatic islet function

Glucose homeostasis via endogenous pancreatic islet function refers to the physiological process by which the endocrine cells within the islets of Langerhans maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range (StatPearls, 2023). This system primarily relies on beta cells to secrete insulin in response to high glucose and alpha cells to secrete glucagon when glucose levels fall (NIH, 2022). In metabolic disorders such as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, this endogenous function is compromised due to autoimmune destruction or progressive cellular dysfunction and insulin resistance (PubMed, PMID: 30204379). Various pharmacological classes, including sulfonylureas and GLP-1 receptor agonists, target specific molecular components within this pathway to restore or mimic healthy islet activity (PubChem, 2024). However, because this term describes a multi-cellular biological process and a therapeutic objective rather than a single protein, enzyme, or receptor, it is classified as a physiological pathway rather than a discrete molecular drug target.

Other names

Pancreatic islet functionIslet cell homeostasisEndogenous insulin secretionIslet of Langerhans function

Regulation of systemic glycemia through the coordinated release of insulin and glucagon from the pancreatic islets, which is pharmacologically modulated by enhancing insulin secretion, improving incretin signaling, or reducing glucagon output (StatPearls, 2023; PubMed, PMID: 29902438).