Question

How does insulin work in the body?

Answer 1

Insulin:

1. Insulin is secreted by beta cells of Islets of Langerhans present in the pancreas.
2. It is involved in glucose homeostasis along with glucagon.
3. Insulin has a hypoglycemic effect.
4. It stimulates glycogenesis (conversion of glucose to glycogen) and promotes cellular uptake and utilization of glucose in hepatocytes and adipocytes.
5. When the body digests food rich in carbohydrates, glucose is released into the bloodstream.
6. This leads to an increase in blood glucose levels in the body.
7. Consequently, the pancreas sends signals that direct all the cells in the body to take in the glucose.
8. Most of this glucose is used up to provide energy to the cells.
9. The excess glucose in the bloodstream is converted into glycogen and absorbed by the liver and muscle cells to be used later.
10. The function of the insulin hormone is to lower the blood sugar level. Insulin controls the metabolism of sugar.
11. The deficiency of insulin causes diabetes. Diabetic patients are treated by giving injections of insulin.