Light micrograph of a human pancreas in type 2 diabetes mellitus. The islets of Langerhans show a drastic reduction of endocrine cells and pink hyalinisation (with deposition of amyloid). These deposits have resulted in the death of the beta cells, which are responsible for releasing insulin. This change is common in the islets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This amyloid contains protein derivatives of amylin, or islet amyloid polypeptide.