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Beta-Cell Proliferation

Meaning

Beta-cell proliferation refers to the biological process of increasing the number of insulin-producing beta cells within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans through cell division. This mechanism represents a crucial adaptive response by the endocrine pancreas to heightened metabolic demand, such as that caused by chronic insulin resistance or obesity. Adequate proliferation is necessary to expand the functional beta-cell mass, thereby maintaining sufficient insulin secretion to ensure euglycemia and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.