Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas that plays a central role in regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels and energy metabolism in the body. Its primary functions include:
- Moving glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells (such as muscle, liver, and fat cells) where it is used for energy production
- Helping store excess glucose in the liver as glycogen and converting surplus glucose into fat for long-term energy storage
- Preventing the liver from producing and releasing more glucose into the bloodstream, thus lowering blood sugar levels
- Regulating overall nutrient balance during the fed state by promoting glucose uptake and storage, which is essential for maintaining normal blood sugar levels and energy supply
Insulin also has roles beyond glucose metabolism, including effects on cell growth, bone formation, and functions in various organs like the brain and kidneys
. In people without diabetes, insulin ensures that blood sugar levels remain within a healthy range after eating. In diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the body's cells become resistant to insulin's effects (type 2 diabetes), leading to elevated blood sugar levels and requiring insulin therapy to manage the condition
. In summary, insulin's main job is to regulate blood sugar by facilitating glucose uptake into cells for energy and storage, thereby maintaining energy balance and preventing high blood sugar complications
