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Delta Cell
Delta Cell A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. Delta cells make somatostatin, a hormone that is believed to control how the beta cells make and release insulin and how the alpha cells make and release glucagon.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Pancreas
A large, elongated gland located behind the lower portion of the stomach that secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon into the blood. These hormones are essential in regulating blood sugar levels. The pancreas also secretes enzymes into the small intestine that help with digestion and neutralize acid from the stomach.
Somatostatin
A hormone in the pancreas that helps tell the body when to make the hormones insulin, glucagon, gastrin, secretin, and renin.
Hormone
A chemical substance formed in the body that is carried in the bloodstream to affect another part of the body; an example is thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland in the neck, which affects growth, temperature regulation, metabolic rate, and other body functions.
Insulin
The hormone that drives incoming nutrients into cells for storage. Excess insulin is the primary pillar of aging.
Glucagon
The hormone from the pancreas that causes the release of stored carbohydrate in the liver to restore blood glucose levels. Glucagon uses the second messenger cyclic AMP to exert its biological action.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Delta cell, pancreatic
A type of cell in the pancreas (the organ of the digestive system located behind the stomach). Within the pancreas, the delta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans. The delta cells make somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the release of numerous hormones in the body.
Delta Memorial
Delta Memorial is a hospital in Contra Costa, California (USA).
Delta Memorial Hospital
The Delta Memorial Hospital is a hospital in Contra Costa, California, United States.
Delta Regional Medical Center
Delta Regional Medical Center is a hospital in Greenville, Mississippi (USA).
Delta-cortef
Delta-cortef is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisolone.
Delta-dome
Delta-dome is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisone.
Deltalin
Deltalin is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): ergocalciferol.
Deltasone
Deltasone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): prednisone.
Deltoid
The triangular muscle of the shoulder.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
Any of various acids that are found in cell nuclei and are the principal components of chromosomes; the molecular basis of heredity.
D.O.
Doctor of Osteopathy.
Doctor
1. One whose occupation is to treat diseases, particularly a physician, dentist, or veterinarian with an appropriate license. 2. A teacher (particularly at a college or university), a scholar, or one who holds a postgraduate degree (especially a Ph.D. degree). 3. A shaman.
D.Pharm.
Doctor of Pharmacy.
Dawn Phenomenon
A sudden rise in blood glucose levels in the early morning hours. This condition sometimes occurs in people with insulin-dependent diabetes and (rarely) in people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes. Unlike the Somogyi effect, it is not a result of an insulin reaction. People who have high levels of blood glucose in the mornings before eating may need to monitor their blood glucose during the night. If blood glucose levels are rising, adjustments in evening snacks or insulin dosages may be recommended.
Delta Cell
Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)
A 10-year study (1983-1993) funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to assess the effects of intensive therapy on the long-term complications of diabetes. The study proved that intensive management of insulin-dependent diabetes prevents or slows the development of eye, kidney, and nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Diabetes Insipidus
A disease of the pituitary gland or kidney, not diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is often called "water diabetes" to set it apart from "sugar diabetes." The cause and treatment are not the same as for diabetes mellitus. "Water diabetes" has diabetes in its name because most people who have it show most of the same signs as someone with diabetes mellitus-they have to urinate often, get very thirsty and hungry, and feel weak. However, they do not have glucose (sugar) in their urine. See also Wolfram Syndrome and Services: Diabetes insipidus.
Diabetic Amyotrophy
A disease of the nerves leading to the muscles. This condition affects only one side of the body and occurs most often in older men with mild diabetes.
Diabetic Coma
A severe emergency in which a person is not conscious because the blood glucose (sugar) is too low or too high. If the glucose level is too low, the person has hypoglycemia; if the level is too high, the person has hyperglycemia and may develop ketoacidosis.
Diabetic Dermopathy
A characteristic skin disorder found in up to 50% of male adults and 30% of female adults with diabetes. The lesions may be round or oval and usually are red or reddish brown, and usually measure 1-3 inches. They usually occur on the thigh or shin, but may appear also on the scalp, forearm and trunk. There is not an effective treatment and the lesions tend to disappear spontaneously after several years.
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