Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. It helps to transport glucose, a type of sugar, from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used for energy. However, for people with diabetes, insulin production or its effectiveness can be impaired, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Insulin's Functions:
- Regulating Blood Sugar: Insulin acts as a key, unlocking cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.
- Energy Storage: When blood sugar levels rise, insulin encourages the storage of excess glucose in the liver as glycogen.
- Metabolic Processes: Insulin influences various enzymes involved in metabolism.
- Growth and Development: It supports muscle growth, protein synthesis, and DNA replication.
- Fat Breakdown: Insulin helps break down fat cells into lipoproteins and triglycerides.
- Brain Function: It contributes to memory and cognitive function.
- Fluid Balance: Insulin regulates urine volume and sodium excretion.
How Insulin Works:
- Glucose Rise: After consuming food, blood sugar levels increase.
- Insulin Release: The pancreas detects this rise and releases insulin.
- Cell Activation: Insulin binds to receptors on cells, signaling them to absorb glucose.
- Glucose Uptake: Cells take in glucose for energy or storage.
Insulin Resistance and Diabetes:
- Insulin Resistance: When cells become less responsive to insulin, it leads to insulin resistance.
- Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A condition often caused by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin production.
Types of Insulin:
- Rapid-Acting: Works quickly, typically taken before meals.
- Short-Acting: Starts working within 30 minutes, used with long-acting insulin.
- Intermediate-Acting: Begins working after 1-2 hours, used twice daily.
- Long-Acting: Works slowly over 24 hours, used twice daily.
Insulin Therapy for Diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: People with type 1 diabetes require daily insulin injections to manage their blood sugar.
- Type 2 Diabetes: While oral medications are often used initially, insulin therapy may become necessary for advanced cases or uncontrolled blood sugar.
Insulin is a vital hormone for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Understanding its functions and how it works is crucial for people with diabetes. Benefic Nutrition along with Apollo Sugar Clinics has formulated and offers a range of products designed to support overall health and well-being, including those that may contribute to improving insulin sensitivity. The products contain natural ingredients known for their potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels. These ingredients often include jamun seed extract, cinnamon, Hibiscus, Spirulina, Aloe Vera and Rosemary that have been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine.