Scientists say that the brain actually make insulin.
New research reveals that the brain, long overshadowed by the pancreas in insulin production, is a significant source of the hormone itself.
Though dismissed for decades, studies now confirm multiple types of brain cells – including neurogliaform cells, neural progenitors, and stress-sensing neurons – produce insulin independently of the pancreas.
These cells are located in regions tied to memory, growth, and even appetite control. For instance, insulin from the choroid plexus, which creates cerebrospinal fluid, has been shown to influence food intake by altering hypothalamic circuits.
While brain-derived insulin doesn’t regulate blood glucose like its pancreatic counterpart, it appears essential for neural health and metabolic regulation within the brain.
The discovery has deep implications for understanding conditions like Alzheimer’s, often dubbed “type 3 diabetes,” due to the brain’s insulin resistance and reduced glucose usage. With brain insulin tied to appetite, cognition, and aging, this emerging field may reshape how we understand and treat neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders alike.
Source: https://theconversation.com/