Islet Cells and Islet Cell Antibodies

Islet cells are located in the pancreas and make hormones, including insulin, glucagon, somatomammotropin, and pancreatic polypeptide. In some people, the immune system produces islet cell antibodies, which attack and destroy the islet cells as though they were foreign substances. This can lead to serious health conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.

Last Revised: September 20, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Jennifer Hone, MD - Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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