Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It is very important for the metabolism, as it helps the cells to take up glucose (sugar) from the blood, which the cells need as fuel. Insulin is also important for other processes, for example to break down fat and protein. The most common problem with insulin is diabetes, where either insulin is no longer produced as the body’s immune system has attacked the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (Type 1 Diabetes), or the cells don’t react that well or don’t react at all to insulin anymore (Type 2 Diabetes).
Sources:
- Hormone Health Network (Endocrine Society). What is Insulin? https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/insulin (accessed 5. August 2020)
- NIH: National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance (accessed 5. August 2020)
- Mayo Clinic. Diabetes treatment: Using insulin to manage blood sugar. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-treatment/art-20044084 (accessed 5. August 2020)
