Insulin and diabetes | health.be

If you’ve ever heard of diabetes, you’ve probably heard of insulin. Insulin is an important hormone in our bodies that plays a crucial role in regulating our blood sugar levels. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about insulin and why understanding it is essential for people with diabetes.

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What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in our blood. When we eat food, glucose is released into our bloodstream. Insulin acts like a key that unlocks the cells in our body and allows them to take in glucose and use it as energy.

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How does insulin work?

Insulin acts as a messenger that signals cells to take in glucose from our blood. When we eat food, our blood sugar rises and this stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin binds to receptors on cell membranes, making them permeable to glucose and allowing it to be transported in.

Insulin also plays a role in regulating the uptake and storage of glucose in muscle, liver and fat tissue. It ensures that excess glucose is converted and stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. This stored energy can be used later when our body needs it.

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Role of insulin in diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in young people and develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This results in little or no insulin being produced, making it necessary to administer external insulin injections daily.
• Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin or does not produce enough. This can lead to higher blood sugar levels and long-term complications if not controlled.

Insulin syringes

People with type 1 diabetes usually require daily insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar levels, since their bodies do not produce their own insulin. Insulin therapy involves administering external insulin through injections.

Insulin therapy can be administered by subcutaneous injections, where a fine needle is inserted under the skin to inject insulin directly into the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Other methods, such as insulin pumps, can also be used to provide a constant supply of insulin.

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Insulin pump and other forms of insulin treatment

In addition to injections, there are different types of insulin available that vary in their speed and duration of action. Fast insulins work quickly and have a short-term effect, while slow insulins work more slowly and have a longer effect.

Alternative delivery methods, such as insulin pumps, may also be used. An insulin pump is a device that continuously delivers small amounts of insulin through a thin tube placed under the skin.

Importance of good insulin balance

• Insufficient insulin supply can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which causes symptoms such as frequent urination, thirst, and tiredness. Long-term hyperglycemia can cause serious complications, including damage to organs such as the kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
• On the other hand, too much insulin supply can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which causes symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and dizziness. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or even coma.

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Research and developments

Research is ongoing to improve the treatment of diabetes and insulin plays an important role in this. Scientists are working on new formulations and drugs that can improve the effectiveness and user-friendliness of insulin therapy.

Sources:
https://www.diabetes.be
https://my.clevelandclinic.org
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com