Question

How does insulin work in the body?

Answer 1

Insulin and glucagon are hormones that aid in the regulation of blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body. Glucose, which is derived from the foods you eat, circulates through your circulation to provide energy to your body. Insulin and glucagon work together to keep your blood sugar levels balanced and within the limits that your body requires.

Complete answer:
Insulin and glucagon function in a negative feedback loop. One event causes another, which triggers another, and so on, in order to keep your blood sugar levels in check.

How insulin works: Carbohydrate-containing foods are transformed to glucose during digestion. The majority of this glucose is absorbed into your bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to rise. Your pancreas is prompted to create insulin as your blood glucose rises.

Insulin instructs cells all over your body to absorb glucose from your bloodstream. Your blood glucose levels decrease as glucose enters your cells. Glucose is used as an energy source by some cells. Any surplus glucose is stored as a substance called glycogen in other cells, such as those in your liver and muscles. Between meals, your body uses glycogen as a source of energy.

Insulin is a hormone that aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels and metabolism, or the process of converting food into energy. Insulin is produced by your pancreas and released into your bloodstream. Insulin assists your body in using sugar for energy and then storing the rest.

Your intestines break down carbohydrates from food into glucose, a form of sugar, after you consume. This glucose enters your system, causing your blood sugar to rise. Your pancreas is a little organ located beneath your stomach. It secretes insulin to keep blood glucose levels in check. Based on your blood sugar level, your body produces and releases insulin in a feedback loop. It's comparable to your home's heating and cooling system in that it releases cool or warm air as the temperature rises or falls. High blood sugar causes clusters of special cells in your pancreas called beta cells to release insulin.

How glucagon works: Insulin's activities are counterbalanced by glucagon. The glucose levels in your blood drop four to six hours after you eat, causing your pancreas to create glucagon. This hormone tells your liver and muscle cells to convert glycogen stored in your body back into glucose. These cells then release the glucose into your bloodstream, where it can be used for energy by other cells.

This entire insulin and the glucagon feedback loop are always in motion. It maintains your blood sugar levels from dropping too low, delivering a consistent flow of energy for your body.

Note: According to Norwood, when we consume liquids sweetened with sucrose, fructose, or high fructose corn syrup, the liver stores the extra sugar as fat, which increases belly fat. Insulin resistance is a result of the hormones produced by excess abdominal fat, which may lead to type 2 diabetes.