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Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion

Meaning

Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion (GSIS) is the fundamental physiological process by which the beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans detect an elevation in plasma glucose concentration and respond by releasing the hormone insulin into the systemic circulation. This finely tuned, biphasic secretory response is absolutely essential for maintaining systemic glucose homeostasis and preventing the acute onset of hyperglycemia. A robust and timely GSIS is a clinical indicator of healthy, functional pancreatic beta-cell mass and sufficient insulin reserve capacity.