The pancreatic beta cells have estrogen RECEPTORS. Estrogenic receptors trigger insulin release which is why they tell women on oral contraceptives to watch out for strokes and heart problems.

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The procedure, known as pancreatic islet transplantation, involves injections of healthy islets, or cell clusters, that release insulin.

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Eventually there could be drugs activated by the patient's own body, with, for instance, a chip that could sense when a diabetic has high levels of glucose and release the required dose of insulin.

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