The only stupid question is one you never asked! Islets are irregular clusters of endocrine cells that scattered throughout the tissue of the pancreas that secrete the hormones insulin, amylin and glucagon that help the body break down and use food. (Islet literally means island, which is used to describe the fact that these groups of cells are scattered throughout the pancreas)

They are more formally known as the Islets of Langerhans, named after the German pathologist Paul Langerhans who discovered them. The Islets are microscopic in size, and represent approximately 1 to 2% of the total mass of the pancreas, yet produce several hormones that are vital for sustaining life.

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Type 1 since September 1976 (dx'd age 7). Now age 37. Blog: http://sstrumello.blogspot.com/. Yahoo Group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/groups/DiabetesPortal. NYC Advocacy Website:
http://www.stopnyca1ctracking.org.