Understanding the role
insulin plays in the body
Insulin plays a key role in
metabolic functions in the
body. People with diabetes
have an intimate knowledge of
insulin, particularly if they do
not produce enough naturally.
However, the rest of the public
may be less knowledgeable about
the role of insulin and its impact
on overall health.
Insulin is produced in the
pancreas of the human body. Its
most important function is the
way it interacts with glucose
(blood sugar) to allow the cells
of the body to use that glucose
as energy.
Insulin can be viewed as a
type of key that unlocks the
cells and enables glucose to enter.
The pancreas senses when
there is a spike in glucose in
the bloodstream and reacts by
producing insulin.
According to the Hormone
Health Network, insulin also
COURIER L 42 IFE, OCT. 4-10, 2019
works to ensure the liver stores
excess glucose so that it is not
actively in the blood. Stored
glucose is called glycogen.
This glycogen can be converted
into fat when it is needed.
Insulin also affects other metabolic
processes, such as the
breakdown of protein or fat.
If insulin is not being produced
in the right amounts, the
result is high blood sugar, or
hyperglycemia.
Chronic hyperglycemia is
the hallmark of diabetes mellitus.
Complications of high
blood sugar include damage to
the nervous system, kidneys,
eyes, and the extremities.
Type 1 diabetes occurs when
the pancreas fails to produce
enough insulin. Supplementation
with insulin will be necessary
to avoid drastic changes in
blood glucose levels.
When a person has type 2 diabetes,
cells fail to respond to
insulin properly.
This is referred to as insulin
resistance. As the disease progresses,
a lack of insulin may
also develop.
Typically with this type of
diabetes, excessive body weight
and not enough exercise are the
culprits in insulin resistance.
Eating a healthier diet and
becoming more physically active
can help reverse the condition.
Too little glucose in the
blood (hypoglycemia) can make
a person feel irritable, tired, or
confused. Low blood sugar can
lead to loss of consciousness.
That is why it is crucial that
blood sugar concentrations remain
relatively stable.
Without insulin, the body
could not effectively make use
of the energy obtained through
eating and drinking.
Health
Diabetes is a disorder in
which the body cannot
properly store and use
the energy found in food. To
be more specifi c, diabetes
compromises the body’s ability
to use glucose.
According to MediLexicon
International, type 1 diabetes
is an autoimmune disease in
which the body wrongly identifi
es and then attacks pancreatic
cells, which causes little
to no insulin production.
Those with type 1 diabetes
usually must rely on insulin
shots to remain healthy.
Type 2 diabetes involves
insulin resistance or insuffi -
cient insulin production and
is the more common form of
diabetes. The pancreas may
still produce insulin, but not
enough to meet the demands
of the body. Insulin resistance
occurs in some cases because
a consistent high blood-glucose
level causes cells to be
overexposed to insulin and
then makes cells less responsive
or immune to its effects.
Diabetes treatment can include
a combination of strategies,
including the following
nondrug remedies:
Diet
Diabetics can work with
their doctors and nutritionists
to come up with a diet that
will be most effective. Some
advocate for eating foods that
are low in carbohydrates or
ones with a low glycemic index.
Others say that it is more
important to restrict caloric
intake rather than sugar intake.
Work with a professional
to create a healthy diet and
follow it as closely as possible.
Eat meals at the same time
each day so you can better
regulate blood-sugar spikes
and lulls. Skipping meals may
cause you to overeat later in
the day, which can throw glucose
levels off-kilter.
Exercise
Many people with type 2
diabetes are carrying around
extra weight. Exercise can
help them shed pounds and
maintain healthier weights.
But exercise does more
than just help you lose weight.
The Joslin Diabetes Center
says strength training exercises
are an important component
of workouts. By maintaining
lean muscle mass, you
can get rid of a larger amount
of glucose in the bloodstream,
thus helping manage diabetes
in the process. Get at least 20
to 30 minutes of moderate activity
several days per week.
Supplementation
Some people fi nd that certain
natural ingredients can
help regulate blood-sugar levels.
For example, pure, organic
apple cider vinegar taken over
time can help people with diabetes
manage their bloodsugar
levels more effectively.
A small amount of cinnamon
per day may be able to
reduce fasting glucose levels
by anywhere from 18 to 29 percent,
according to a study in
the Journal of Agricultural
and Food Chemistry.
Lower blood-sugar levels
without use of medication
Diabetics can try a number of home remedies to lower their blood-sugar
level.