What is Insulin?

Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for controlling the levels of glucose (a type of sugar) in the bloodstream. Insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose that is available in the bloodstream, which is essential for proper cellular functioning. Without it, the cells would not be able to use the glucose they need to produce energy.

Insulin acts as a key that unlocks the cells of the body, allowing them to take in glucose when it is present in the bloodstream. It also helps to keep the glucose level in the blood in a range that is healthy for the body. When the body does not have enough insulin or the insulin does not work properly, it can lead to type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin.

The Role of Insulin in Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, and must use insulin injections to make up for this lack of production. Insulin helps to keep the levels of glucose in the bloodstream in check by controlling the amount of glucose that can be taken up by the body’s cells. People with type 2 diabetes have a higher level of insulin resistance, meaning their cells do not respond to the insulin produced in their bodies. For this reason, people with type 2 diabetes often need to take insulin injections in order to maintain healthy glucose levels.

The Long Term Effects of Insulin

When diabetes is not kept under control through the use of insulin injections, serious long term complications can arise, such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, vision loss, kidney disease, and even death. It is therefore important for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes to adhere to the proper insulin dosing and blood sugar monitoring schedule determined by their doctor.

Insulin Treatments for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin plays an important role in the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Insulin therapy allows people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels and reduce their risk of developing long term complications. For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin injections are necessary to help the body use glucose. People with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin injections to help manage their blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

Insulin is a critical hormone in the body that helps to regulate levels of glucose in the bloodstream. If a person does not have enough insulin, it can lead to type 1 diabetes and if their insulin does not work properly, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. Both types of diabetes require insulin injections in order to keep the blood glucose levels under control, which can prevent long term complications.