Insulin is essential for survival, and several body functions, including blood sugar regulation, are controlled by the effective balance of this hormone.
Insulin is an essential hormone naturally produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. It plays an important role in regulating blood glucose levels and how the body uses energy from food.
Any problem with producing insulin or how the body uses insulin can result in a high or low insulin level, which in turn can cause the blood glucose levels to be either high or low. A continuous state of high or low glucose levels may result in serious health conditions.
In this article, we will look at how the body makes insulin, what happens when there isn't enough of it, and what types of insulin one can take to supplement it.
Insulin is a nutrient storage hormone that plays many roles in the body, such as:
Insulin is mainly secreted in response to increased blood glucose levels. After eating, the food is digested, and the carbohydrates in the food are broken down and converted into glucose. This glucose enters the bloodstream, increasing the blood glucose level.
The increase in blood glucose level stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin. The higher the level of glucose in the blood, the higher the amount of insulin the pancreas produces.
Insulin helps the blood glucose level return to its normal level. It moves glucose into the cells, where it is used as energy, and the remaining glucose is stored as glycogen in the liver, muscle, and fat cells as a future source of energy. Once the blood glucose level returns to normal, insulin production slows down.
Aside from carbs, protein, fat, and other hormones such as estrogen, growth hormone, leptin, and melatonin can also stimulate the release of insulin.
To balance the blood sugar level, insulin works hand in hand with another hormone known as glucagon.
Glucagon, which is also produced in the pancreas, is released when blood sugar levels are low. It breaks down the stored glucose (glycogen) and releases it into the bloodstream to increase the blood glucose level and provide energy to the body’s cells.
Many conditions can develop when the body does not produce or use insulin as it should, and some of them can be life-threatening if they are not properly managed. Some of the conditions that are insulin-related include:
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body does not respond well to or effectively use the insulin it produces. This affects the movement of glucose into the cells, resulting in an increase in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
To overcome the increased blood glucose levels, the pancreas continues to produce more insulin, which may result in hyperinsulinemia (an increase in insulin level).
With the increased insulin level, if the body cells continue to resist its effect, the pancreas may wear out and glucose will accumulate in the bloodstream, causing hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level). Hyperglycemia, if left unmanaged or untreated with time, leads to type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic health condition marked by a prolonged increase in blood sugar levels. It is caused by the cells of the body not responding to insulin (insulin resistance) or the pancreas not producing enough or any insulin at all.
Diabetes, if left untreated, can damage nerves and organs, resulting in serious health issues such as ketoacidosis, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and impaired vision.
There are two main types of diabetes.
Insulinoma is a rare tumor that affects the beta cells in the pancreas. It causes the pancreas to produce excess insulin. The tumor causes continuous production of insulin regardless of the blood glucose level, resulting in a low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). Most insulinomas can be treated and even cured using treatments like surgery.
PCOS is a common but complex hormonal disorder that affects women in their reproductive years. It is characterized by high levels of androgen (the male sex hormone), which can prevent ovulation and cause irregular or absence of menstrual periods, acne, and hirsutism (excess body hair, especially on parts of the body where there is usually little or no hair).
The exact cause of PCOs is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors may play a role. Risk factors, such as obesity and insulin resistance, are also associated with PCOS. High insulin levels can cause the ovaries to produce too much testosterone in people with this condition, which interferes with ovulation.
Insulin treatment is one way that people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes can be treated. This therapy helps to maintain a steady blood sugar level and prevent the complications of diabetes.
There are different types of insulin regimens. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the different types can be categorized according to:
The main types of insulin, based on their onset, peak, and duration are:
These are types of insulin taken at meal times, either shortly before, after, or together with the meals.
Bolus insulin acts quickly on the carbs from the meal consumed; this helps to prevent a spike in blood glucose after meals. Types of bolus insulin include:
Regular insulin needs to be taken about 25 minutes before meals because it takes time to start working. It is most effective 2 to 4 hours after taking it.
Also known as background insulin, it is a type of insulin that helps to control the blood sugar your body is releasing or moving to cells throughout the day when you are not eating. It works for a long period of time and is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on the insulin.
Types of basal insulin include the following:
Insulin comes in a liquid form, which can be clear or cloudy, depending on the type. It is available in different concentrations. The higher the concentration, the faster the rate of diffusion and adsorption. One hundred units of insulin in one milliliter of fluid (U-100) is the most common insulin concentration. To ensure you are taking the right dosage of insulin, make sure to check its concentration.
Insulin can be administered by injecting it into the skin or vein using a needle (needle and syringe), pen, or a small medical device known as an insulin pump, which is attached to the body. There is also an inhalable type of insulin that is inhaled into the lungs.
Some lifestyle changes can help manage blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. They are:
Insulin-related issues can result in hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which can cause life-threatening complications if they persist.
Severe hyperglycemia and severe hypoglycemia are serious medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention. Seek urgent medical care if you experience any of the following hyperglycemia- or hypoglycemia-related symptoms:
Insulin plays an important role in regulating various processes in the body, from promoting metabolic function, promoting the growth and development of tissues and cells, and balancing electrolytes to promoting cognitive functions.
Given its role in regulating multiple processes in the body, insulin is essential for staying alive. Any impairment in how it works can affect any or all the organs, tissues, or body systems. This increases the risk of several chronic diseases and can even result in medical emergencies.
Your overall lifestyle can affect how your body uses insulin. Lifestyle changes such as exercising, getting adequate sleep, eating healthy, and weight management can help increase insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose levels.
A doctor may advise an insulin treatment when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use it as effectively as it should. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to take the insulin, when to take it, and the insulin dose to take.
It is also important to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms that may indicate a severe or persistent fluctuation in your blood glucose level.
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