
Insulin, a hormone whose action is so well known amongst people, as soon as they hear it, visualization of conversion of glucose comes in the picture. Thus, the primary function of Insulin is to promote the absorption of glucose into skeletal muscles cells, fat cells and liver converting the absorbed glucose into glycogen or triglyceride for storage. Produced by the β-cells of the Islet of Langerhans in the Pancreas, Insulin not only works as the stimulant in glucose absorption but also plays an important role as an anabolic hormone regulating the metabolism of Carbohydrates (which eventually convert into glucose), Proteins and Fat. We will see one by one how Insulin impacts the metabolism in a human body
Physiological Effects of Insulin:
Upon release into the blood stream from the pancreas, Insulin does the following metabolism changes:
Stimulates the uptake of glucose in the cells thereby decreasing blood sugar level
Increase in Fat synthesis as insulin forces fat cells to absorb glucose from blood and convert it triglycerides
Increases esterification of fatty acids into neutral fats (e.g. triglycerides)
Decreases production of glucose from non-carbohydrate substances (e.g. breakdown of protein); primarily in liver
Increases Amino acid uptake, forces the cells to absorb amino acid in blood. Amino acids are required for protein synthesis
Thus, Insulin plays a vital role in Human Metabolism. Smooth functioning of an organ system depends upon how an individual organ works in the given system, for optimum working the energy supply to it must not be hampered, since body utilizes glucose primarily to be consumed as the energy currency, they activity of Insulin becomes significant and any kind of disturbance to it will lead to an increased stress on the body to perform vital function optimally.
How Insulin works?
The beta cells of the pancreas are sensitive to the amount of glucose present in the blood, as soon there is a rise in blood sugar, the beta cells get triggered automatically and release insulin into the blood. They release insulin into two phases:
A rapid phase where in the Insulin is released in response to rising blood sugar level, lasts for about 10 min.
A slow sustained release which peaks in 2-3 hours and is independent of blood sugar level.
The released Insulin attaches itself to the receptors of the cell present on the cell surface, upon attachment Insulin causes GLUT4 (Glucose transporter type 4, also known by the name Facilitated Glucose Transporter 4) transporter of the cells come to the surface and fuse together, this enables the diffusion of glucose into the cell, where it is converted to Glucose-6-phosphate in order to maintain the concentration gradient.
Major cause for Type-2 Diabetes in people it the development of condition called Insulin resistance.
How to enhance effectivity of Insulin?
In order to ensure Insulin works as optimally as possible, it is necessary to have a well-balanced diet which consist Carbohydrates, Proteins and Fats in the ratio of 1.5:1:1 (i.e. out of 100 grams of food eaten, 45 gm should be Carbs, followed 30 gm of Protein and 30 gm of Fat), this will ensure the Insulin works at it best and the body is healthy to perform its day to task.
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