Insulin is a hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism in the human body. In fact, it is responsible for converting the energy of carbohydrates into energy for the needs of metabolism. Insulin also affects the processes of storing and releasing calories from energy depots.
How exactly does insulin control blood glucose levels? What is the relationship between elevated insulin levels and obesity and weight gain? Does this hormone affect testosterone levels in men? Why do diabetics need insulin injections?
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a protein hormone produced in the pancreas. It allows you to use carbohydrates for energy and also affects blood glucose – helping to avoid excessively high (hyperglycemia) and excessively low (hypoglycemia) values.
The principle of action of insulin is based on the fact that it allows glucose to penetrate into the cells of the body – increasing energy. Insufficient production of this hormone interferes with the utilization of glucose and raises blood sugar levels – which can be dangerous to health. In this case, insulin must be administered by injection.
With excessive production of insulin (caused, among other things, by an excess of fast carbohydrates in the diet), cells develop resistance to its action – that is, insulin resistance. Quite often, this disease leads to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Brief history
In 1869, with the advent of the first microscopes, previously unknown groups of cells were discovered in the pancreas – it turned out that they produce cells that play a role in digestion. Since outwardly these cells looked like islands, they were called insulin (from the Latin insula – island).
By the 1920s, the role of insulin in carbohydrate metabolism became clear, and the ability to normalize glucose levels in diabetes mellitus was also confirmed. In 1954, the structure of the insulin molecule was deciphered, and in the 1960s it began to be obtained by artificial synthesis. Commercial production began in the 1980s.
How does insulin affect your body?
After eating carbohydrate foods, blood sugar levels rise – which serves as a signal for the pancreas to start producing insulin. It enters the bloodstream and attaches to the cells – in fact, ensuring the penetration of glucose inside.
To the greatest extent, the transport of energy into muscle and adipose tissue depends on insulin. In total, they make up to 70% of the cell mass of the body, performing functions such as movement, respiration, and blood circulation. In addition, insulin increases the activity of glycogen synthesis and helps the muscles store more energy.
Impact on Obesity and weight gain
The effects of insulin include the ability to convert glucose into triglycerides – as well as the effect on reducing the intake of fatty acids in the blood. In simple terms, insulin helps convert carbohydrates into body fat while preventing them from being burned.
In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce enough insulin, requiring injections. This is usually characterized by reduced body weight. In turn, type 2 diabetes (excess production of insulin and a decrease in its action potential) is most often associated with weight gain.
Effect on testosterone
Studies show that men with low testosterone have a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Testosterone helps to regulate blood glucose levels – while excessive consumption of fast carbohydrates leads to its decrease.
However, summarizing the effect of insulin on testosterone in one phrase is quite difficult – there are many secondary factors. Despite this, insulin injections for diabetics help to normalize the level of hormones in the blood – including testosterone levels.
Reasons for elevated insulin levels
The key reason for the increase in insulin production is high blood glucose levels caused by the consumption of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index. Examples of such foods are sugar, sweets, white bread, white rice, and various sources of starch.
If blood glucose levels are constantly elevated, the body begins to produce more insulin – but its action potential decreases. The presence of saturated animal fats in the diet, insufficient amounts of fiber, and low levels of physical activity exacerbate these processes.
Ultimately, insulin resistance may develop – a lot of insulin is produced, but the blood glucose level is still high. This leads to numerous risks to health and the normal functioning of the brain, requiring a change in approach to nutrition and regular exercise.
Insulin is one of the body’s most important hormones that regulate the conversion, storage, and expenditure of carbohydrate energy. High insulin levels are most often caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle, leading to diabetes mellitus and related diseases.