Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. Here are some key points about insulin:
– Production: Insulin is produced and released by specialized beta cells in structures called the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas.
– Function: When food is consumed, glucose enters the bloodstream and insulin allows this glucose to move from the blood into body cells to be used immediately for energy or stored for future use. It helps balance and regulate blood sugar.
– Role in Diabetes: Diabetes occurs when either the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body’s cells become resistant to insulin’s effects (type 2 diabetes), disrupting healthy blood sugar control.
– Supplemental Insulin: People with diabetes who lack sufficient insulin rely on regular injections of insulin via syringes, insulin pens, pumps or other means to lower high blood sugar levels. This replaces their missing or inadequate natural insulin.
– Insulin Types: Medical insulin comes in several types based on duration of action, peak action times and the shape of action profile over time to meet different needs. Common types are short-acting (Reg/Humu/Novolog), intermediate (NPH) and long-acting (Lantus).
Overall, insulin is an essential peptide hormone made in the pancreas that enables proper regulation of glucose through balanced intake, storage and usage – defects in its levels or functioning underlie all forms of diabetes.