Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas. Its primary function is to regulate blood sugar levels.
Here’s how it works:
- Glucose enters the bloodstream: After you eat, carbohydrates break down into glucose, which enters your bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels. Pancreas releases insulin: Your pancreas senses this increase and releases insulin into the bloodstream. Insulin unlocks cells: Insulin acts as a key, allowing glucose to enter your body’s cells for energy. Glucose is used for energy: Cells use glucose as fuel for various bodily functions. Blood sugar levels decrease: As glucose is used, blood sugar levels return to a healthy range.
Without sufficient insulin, glucose cannot enter cells effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. This is characteristic of diabetes.
Insulin’s impact extends beyond regulating blood sugar. It also:
Promotes the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles for later use. Signals the body to store excess fat. Helps regulate protein synthesis.
Understanding insulin’s role in glucose metabolism is crucial for comprehending the body’s energy balance and the implications of insulin deficiency or resistance.
