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Pancreatic Biorhythms

Meaning

Pancreatic biorhythms refer to the intrinsic, time-of-day-dependent fluctuations in the function of the pancreas, specifically the rhythmic secretion of insulin and glucagon from the Islets of Langerhans, which are governed by a local molecular clock. This peripheral oscillator is crucial for coordinating systemic glucose homeostasis, ensuring that the body’s insulin sensitivity and secretory capacity are appropriately timed to anticipate and respond to food intake. Disruption of these rhythms can significantly impair glucose tolerance and contribute to metabolic syndrome.