Want to know the function of Insulin in the human body and its importance? You have come to the right page.
Here you’ll learn all about insulin function and what happens if it does not function properly.
Table of Contents
What is the Function of Insulin in the Human Body?
Insulin helps in the metabolism of the body and without this hormone, we cannot live.
It depresses blood glucose levels in different ways including glycogen synthesis and increasing the cell consumption of glucose. It also stimulates the conversion of glucose into proteins and lipids, which reduces the level of glucose.
Insulin also inhibits the hydrolysis of glycogen (the breakdown of glycogen into glucose using water) in the liver and muscles.
1. Insulin action on Digestive System
When we eat something it goes straight into the stomach and then goes through various digestion processes. The food is converted into small particles and absorbed by the blood. If the food contains carbohydrates then the pancreas secretes the insulin to make use of them for cellular metabolism.
The excess glucose is stored in different parts of the body like muscles, liver and is used by the body when needed. (1)
In this way when we eat, insulin keeps our glucose level in a normal range.
2. Insulin and Circulatory System
Our circulatory system makes sure that everything in the body goes well. When there isn’t enough insulin in the blood then glucose gets back into the bloodstream from the storage cells. This increases the glucose level in the body which could cause diabetes and nervous disorders if the level exceeds the normal range.
On the other hand, if there is insulin in the blood then it maintains our glucose level and everything performs well.
In this way, our circulatory system ensures the proper amount of insulin when needed.
What if Insulin does not Function Properly?
There are 2 types of failures:
1. Failure of Insulin Production
Failure of this hormone causes a condition called Diabetes Mellitus. The symptoms of this disease are, high level of blood sugar in the urine, a disturbance of the body’s osmotic equilibrium and derangement of the nervous system.
2. Excess of Insulin Production
If excess insulin is produced, the utilization of sugar in the body will be too high and its level falls in the blood (hypoglycemia) which upsets nerve and muscle functioning.
The Bottom Line!
The proper functioning of Insulin in the human body is very important for survival. If you want things to function properly then you must take some precautions:
- Avoid excessive use of Cold Drinks
- Do Regular Exercise
- Keep a balance in diet
- Avoid too much use of Alcohol
- Stop Smoking
- Eat vegetables and fruits
- Keep Body Weight normal
I hope after reading this article, you have understood what is Insulin and what are the functions of insulin in the human body.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
The information present on this webpage has not been evaluated by any medical authority such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). All information is for educational purposes only. Strictly saying, we do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. You must consult a medical professional before acting on any content on this website.
Usama is a medical student (MD) and loves to share his medical knowledge. He loves to write on different health and medical conditions for a better understanding of a common person. To know more about him visit the About page.
Hello Usama,
That was an interesting read.
I have a question. I have recently recognised that I get quickly fatigued after eating carbs such as potatoes, pasta and bread. Can you tell me if these carbs are causing an imbalance in my insulin levels. Sometimes I fall asleep during the day or early evening. I can’t stay awake and I can’t wake myself up until 3 hours later sometimes. When I do I have to struggle and force myself awake. I then feel groggy.
Do you have any advice with this?
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for loving the article.
Yes, these foods contain carbohydrates and can cause insulin imbalance. It has also been seen that when your cells are resisting glucose, they don’t get much nutrition (fuel) to function properly so they may tire and cause sleepiness and fatigue.
I recommend you to read this article; https://healthtippshub.com/cure-diabetes-naturally-30-days/ in order to keep a balance in your glucose level and to improve insulin functionality.
Hope it helps!
Hi Osama,
My name is Nasim and living in dubai, last week i went to clinic because of itching and dryness on my foot and finger and doctor suggest me to take sugar test and it show 200, so now i want to know what should i do and which kind of diet should i take? Kindly suggest me on that matter.
Thanks
M. Nasim Farooqui
Hi Nasim,
Kindly refer to this article; https://healthtippshub.com/cure-diabetes-naturally-30-days/
I am sure you will get your answer here.
Regards
Usama