Insulin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's energy supply by balancing micronutrient levels during the fed state
. Its major functions include:
- Transporting glucose to insulin-dependent cells/tissues : Insulin is critical for transporting intracellular glucose to cells such as liver, muscle, and adipose tissue
- Regulating blood glucose levels : Insulin acts via an anabolic pathway, while glucagon performs catabolic functions. The two hormones counterbalance each other to stabilize blood glucose levels
- Energy production : Insulin assists in breaking down fats or proteins for energy
- Cell growth and metabolism : Insulin is essential for staying alive, as it allows glucose in the blood to enter cells, providing them with the energy to function
Insulin is mainly secreted by β cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas
. The pancreas is an organ behind the stomach that is the main source of insulin in the body
. Insulin production and release are tightly regulated based on blood sugar levels and other hormones in the body
. A lack of effective insulin plays a key role in the development of diabetes
