• This article provides a brief overview of the role of insulin in the human body.
• It explains how insulin helps to regulate blood sugar levels and store energy from food.
• It also discusses the potential medical complications associated with an imbalance of insulin in the body.
Overview of Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays an important role in regulating blood sugar levels and storing energy from food. When glucose (sugar) enters the bloodstream after eating, insulin helps to move it into cells where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.
Role of Insulin
Insulin helps maintain normal blood sugar levels by stimulating cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy or store it for later use. Without enough insulin, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being used or stored, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). Low levels of insulin can also result in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Long-term imbalances in insulin can lead to medical complications such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Types of Insulin
There are several types of insulin available for people with diabetes, including rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms. Each type works differently and may be used alone or combined with other medications to help manage blood sugar levels.
Potential Side Effects
Taking too much insulin can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause dizziness, sweating, confusion, headache, blurred vision, hunger, weakness and fatigue. Taking too little or skipping doses can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) which can cause frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger; dry mouth; fatigue; blurry vision; slow healing wounds; weight loss; nausea/vomiting; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath/rapid breathing; chest pain/pressure; numbness in hands/feet/legs; confusion ;and unconsciousness .
Conclusion
Insulin is an important hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by helping cells take up glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy or store it for later use. People who have diabetes may need to take supplemental forms of insulin to control their condition but should be aware of potential side effects from taking too much or too little medication. It’s important to speak with your doctor about any questions you may have about managing your condition safely and effectively