Beta cells are a type of the cell which is present in the pancreas in the areas called the islets of the langerhans. They make 65 to 80 % of the cells in the islets. The beta cells make and release insulin which is a hormone which regulates the level of the glucose in the blood. There is a baseline level of the glucose in the blood which is maintained by the liver. It can really respond quickly to spikes in the blood glucose. The response time is purely quick taking only 10 minutes.

If we leave the insulin apart, beta cells also release C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production, into the bloodstream in equimolar quantities. You must know that the C-peptide helps to prevent neuropathy, and also other symptoms of diabetes related to vascular deterioration. Measuring the levels of C-peptide can give a practitioner an idea of the viable beta cell mass. Hence the C-Peptide is really very important.

The beta cells also produce the amyline which is also known as the IAPP islet amyloid polypeptide. Amyline acts as the part of the endocrine pancreas and contributes to the glycemic controls. Amyline metabolic function is really now some what characterize as the inhibiter of the appearance of the nutrients in the plasma. You can also say that it functions as the syenergic partner of the insulin. The insulin regulates the food intake for the long time and the amyline decrease the food intake for the short time.

Research
Much research has been done in the field of the beta cell physiology and the pathology. One of the major topics of concern is the effect of the beta cell on the diabetes. Many research scholars are really trying to find the way to cure or even control the diabetes with the help of the beta cells.
One of the other major topics is the replication of the adult beta cell and also its application in diabetes. The Larry L. Hillblom Islet Research Center at UCLA is one of the leading research centers in the field, within the Diabetes and Endocrinology Research Center, directed by Dr. Peter Butler.

Pathology
The diabetes mellitus type I is really caused by the destruction of the insulin producing beta cell by the cells of the immune systems.

In the diabetes mellitus type II is caused by decline of the beta cells over the time and the insulin resistance really plays a large role in the disease.

I would really say one thing and that is the research are really on and it could be very soon that we will find the permanent cure of the diabetes. This will really be a major break through in the field of medical science.