The Body’s Reactions to Insulin Insulin, a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas, regulates how your body uses and stores blood sugar (glucose). It works like a key to let glucose into your body’s cells. A crucial component of metabolism is insulin. Your body couldn’t function without it. Your pancreas releases insulin when you eat to assist your body in converting glucose, a form of sugar contained in carbohydrates, into energy. It also facilitates energy storage.
When a person has type 1 diabetes, their pancreas is no longer able to produce insulin. When you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas initially generates insulin, but your body’s cells can’t effectively utilise it. Insulin resistance is what causes this. Uncontrolled diabetes causes glucose to accumulate in the blood rather than being transported to or stored by cells. Practically every aspect of your body could be negatively impacted by this. By testing your blood, it’s easy to tell if your glucose level is too high or too low. Diabetes can lead to a variety of complications, including kidney disease, nerve damage, heart issues, vision issues, and stomach issues.
Insulin therapy is required for type 1 diabetics to survive. To manage their blood sugar levels and prevent complications, some people with type 2 diabetes must additionally use insulin therapy. Insulin therapy can replace the functions your pancreas cannot perform if you have diabetes. There are the following insulin varieties:
Rapid-acting insulin gets into the bloodstream in 15 minutes and keeps working for up to 4 hours.
- Short-acting insulin works for up to 6 hours and gets into the bloodstream in 30 minutes.
- Insulin with an average half-life gets into your bloodstream in 2 to 4 hours and stays active for about 18 hours.
- Long-acting insulin begins to work within a few hours and maintains blood sugar levels for roughly 24 hours.
Normal blood sugar levels
Blood sugar, or glucose, is used for energy by the body. When you eat, many of the carbs you consume are converted into glucose. Glucose is either utilized immediately or retained in cells. Insulin aids in maintaining normal levels of glucose in the blood. It accomplishes this by removing glucose from the bloodstream and transporting it to cells throughout the body. The cells then use the glucose for energy before storing the surplus in the liver, muscles, and adipose tissue.
Blood glucose levels that are too high or too low might cause major health concerns. In addition to causing diabetes, it can cause heart, kidney, eye, and blood vessel issues.
Normal cells
Every cell in your body requires energy to function and stay healthy. Insulin supplies glucose, which cells use for energy.
Without insulin, glucose stays in the bloodstream. This can cause hyperglycemia, which can be deadly.
Along with glucose, insulin facilitates the entry of amino acids into the body’s cells, which promotes muscular growth. Insulin also helps cells take in electrolytes, like potassium, which keeps your body fluids in balance.
In the circulatory system
When insulin enters your bloodstream, it aids in the absorption of glucose by cells throughout your body, including those in your central nervous system and cardiovascular system. It is the circulatory system’s responsibility to supply insulin.
Blood sugar levels will be kept within a safe range as long as the pancreas generates enough insulin and your body can use it appropriately.
Hyperglycemia (excess glucose in the blood) can lead to issues such as nerve damage (neuropathy), kidney damage, and eye problems. Excessive thirst and frequent urination are symptoms of elevated blood glucose.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) might make you feel irritated, weary, or confused. Low glucose levels in the blood can cause unconsciousness.
Ketone Regulation
Insulin aids in the utilisation of glucose by your cells as fuel. Cells start to burn fat for energy when they can’t use the excess glucose. As a result of this mechanism, hazardous levels of ketones accumulate.
Your body makes an effort to eliminate the ketones through urine, but it occasionally falls short. This may result in diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially fatal illness (DKA). Sweet-smelling breath, dry mouth .