A brief review of the normal physiology of insulin secretion is given. The dual role of glucose
to directly stimulate insulin release and to potentiate insulin secretion to other islet regulators
is emphasized. The B cell of the pancreatic islet is discussed as a metabolic integrator for
nutrients, modulated by neural and hormonal input. A feedback model for the normal
regulation of glucose concentrations is also described. This model is based on a closed loop
between the islet, the liver and peripheral tissues for the production and utilization of …