Understanding the Important Role of Insulin in the Body and the Function of Insulin

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the pancreas, and its role is crucial. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating various metabolic processes to provide the body with the energy it needs.

In this article, we will discuss further the function of insulin in the body and its relationship to diabetes.

Function of Insulin Hormone for the Body  

In general, there are several functions of insulin that you need to know, as explained below. 

Regulate blood sugar levels 

When sugar, or glucose, enters the bloodstream, the beta cells of the pancreas respond by releasing the hormone insulin, which absorbs the glucose into the body's cells to provide energy. The more glucose in the blood, the more insulin the pancreas releases. 

Also read: 7 Ways to Keep Blood Sugar Levels Stable 

Storing excess glucose 

When insulin levels are high, the liver is regulated to store excess glucose in the form of glycogen. This glycogen can then be broken down back into glucose and released into the bloodstream when glucose or insulin levels in the body are low. 

In addition to the explanation above, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences states that the function of the insulin hormone can also influence other metabolic processes, such as the breakdown of fat or protein.  

How Insulin Works in the Body

So, how does insulin work in the body? After you finish eating, your intestines digest and convert the carbohydrates in your food into glucose, which causes blood sugar levels to rise. 

Increased blood glucose stimulates the pancreas to release the hormone insulin into the bloodstream. This is when insulin acts like a key, allowing glucose to enter the cells, where it is converted into energy. 

The Relationship Between Insulin and Diabetes

Essentially, the pancreas's function in regulating blood sugar levels is closely related to the hormone insulin. If the pancreas isn't functioning properly, your body can't produce or release the insulin needed to control blood sugar, leading to diabetes . 

In type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin due to damage to pancreatic cells, requiring external insulin therapy. Insulin's function in type 1 diabetes is to control blood sugar levels and prevent buildup. 

While people with type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin, the body cannot use it efficiently because cells don't respond to it (insulin resistance). This condition can also occur because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin (insulin deficiency). 

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Also read: Understanding the Glycemic Index and How to Read It Correctly

Healthy Lifestyle for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Type 2 diabetes can generally be controlled by adopting a healthy lifestyle as follows. 

• Eat healthy and balanced nutritious food, especially foods that are rich in fiber and low in calories.
• Do cardio or resistance exercise regularly, at least 2–3 times a week for 30 minutes.
• Maintain ideal body weight , or lose weight if you are overweight .
• Monitor your blood sugar regularly to ensure that your blood sugar levels are always within the normal range or within a safe target. 

If type 2 diabetes cannot be controlled with the above methods, doctors will usually recommend drug therapy, including insulin injections. These insulin injections help the body use glucose for energy. 

If you want to know your risk of diabetes, you can take the DIArisk genomic test through the  U by Prodia application . 

To do this, open the U by Prodia app. Select the Lab Tests menu , then type DIArisk genomic test in the Search lab test field. Next, press the Make Appointment button  and follow the booking process until complete. 

This test aims to assess a person's risk of developing diabetes based on their genetic profile. You can then discuss the results with your doctor to determine personalized preventative measures.  

Also Read: Diabetes Sufferers Can Eat Sweets 

Reference: 

International journal of molecular sciences (2021), Role of Insulin in Health and Disease: An Update.  

Diabetes therapy (2020), Insulin Therapy in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a Narrative Review.  

Physiological reviews (2018), Mechanisms of Insulin Action and Insulin Resistance.  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), Insulin Resistance and Diabetes. 

Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2021), What is Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus? 

American Diabetes Association, Insulin Basics. 

Cleveland Clinic (2022), Insulin. 

Mayo Clinic (2022), Type 2 diabetes. 

Mayo Clinic (2021), Diabetes treatment: Using insulin to manage blood sugar. 

Endocrine Society (2022), Pancreas Hormones. 

WebMD (2021), How Insulin Works.