What’s the role of insulin?
Insulin – that hormone people with diabetes like to hate. It gets blamed for everything, from weight gain to a miserable mood. But what’s the truth? Is insulin really just bad news bears, or is there more to it than meets the eye?
In this article, we’ll explore what insulin actually does, its role in metabolism, and how lack of it leads to diseases like type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Starting with Basics
Insulin is a hormone made by cells known as beta cells in the pancreas. The main function of insulin is regulating blood sugar levels by helping cells uptake glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.
So when you eat food containing carbohydrates, your body breaks down those carbs into glucose molecules which enter your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises above normal levels – around 100mg/dl – beta cells release insulin into the bloodstream.
This signals organs and tissues across the body that they need to start absorbing glucose which will lower high levels of glucose in our bloodstream back closer towards ‘normal’ ranges.
Where Does Insulin Come From?
As I mentioned before, insulin comes from special cells called beta-cells found in little clumps scattered throughout “Islets” within our pancreas gland – which also produces other important hormones too such as glucagon (which raises blood sugar).
The entire thing has a fascinating layout to take note off: Picture an L-shaped organ tucked behind your stomach starting at rib cage level & extending downwards past belly button height!
And Now on To Its Metabolic Role
True heroes are always multitaskers – same goes for Insulin! Besides playing Cupid between Glucose & Cells- It plays many metabolic roles essential survival functions:
Builds New Proteins
When consumed dietary protein get broken down digestive system enzymes to absorbable Amino Acids –Our bodies use Insulin to help build these up into NEW complex structures including DNA or enzymes for our metabolism.
Stores Energy Within Cells
Insulin provides the root of replenishment energy- Glucose -to be stored in both fat and skeletal muscles. It also promotes storage glycogen (>storage form glucose) within liver)
Controls Fat Breakdown & Production
Not only does it store FAT, but it facilitates breakdown of fats too! The hormone signals adipose tissue (fat cells) to release fatty acids into bloodstream as well inhibits enzyme Lipase responsible breaking down stores uptake Liver).
Thinking Zero Carb is a Solution?
So many ‘low carb’ enthusiasts suggest that doing things like eliminating ALL carbohydrates will cure the obesity epidemic from earth. But proof’s lacking!
In fact, while Carbs are processed through Beta-cell mediated insulin secretion system along fascia -> zero carbs diets end us relying almost solely on burning body parts for fuel which truly has disastrous effects
This “starvation mode” triggers ketone production which messes with acid-base balance leading” ketoacidosis -when we get flood metabolic products called “ketones”. This can lead to everything from dehydration risks confusion/ brain dysfunction or seizures caused by high levels acidic substances circulating throughout ur blood.
Types of Diabetes Explained
There’s quite a difference between Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1
Also referred as juvenile diabetes because oftentimes appearing during childhood phase; In this circumstance beta glads completely fail-> no insulin output at all
Individuals living with type 1 rely daily-insufficiency doses delivered via injections or pumps based upon carb intake separate requirements Age / weight factors whilst tracking Blood sugar levels hourly points via finger sticks / continuous monitors
But they frequently experience unpredictable fluctuations in potassium counts due massive insulin doses needed manage Carb intake/massive injections to keep Blood Glucose within normal range
Type 2
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is often referred as “adult onset” diabetes (although can occur in children). This happens when beta cells are still producing insulin but our body’s cell receptors become resistant -> toxins build up – leading the body to rely more and more on increasingly high levels of injected medications.
Insulin’s Supporting Cast
Although quite crucial- insulin alone can not sustain life; Did you know that there’re several factors which influence healthy blood glucose regulation processes? Here we go!
Ketones
Thanks to a breakthrough discovery by Peter Attia , who describes how ketones are actually far safer than anyone used think- nowadays it will be highly recommended for teens & people concerned about their health reconsider implementing keto diet into their personal lifestyles.
This type food intake significantly lowers carbohydrate intakes -which also includes sugars found naturally foods/carbs those synthesize INTO sugar-like molecules before being absorbed metabolized throughout one’s bloodstream.
Wrapping Up
Insulin has accomplished its role regulating water-soluble nutrients absorption molecular storage or metabolic utilization pathways fatty breaks/data catabolic point forming an overall central role Metabolic homeostasis animal kingdom !! It is truly miraculous what this humble little hormone does!
Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!
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