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Islet cells and islet cell antibodies

Healthwise
By Jeannette Curtis; Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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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.

Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:
Last Updated: 05/25/2007