Insulin is the main hormone of the pancreas, which is necessary for the glucose uptake by the cells of insulin-dependent tissues. As a consequence, blood glucose levels decrease.

Insulin is produced in the pancreas from the molecule proinsulin with the by-product formation of the C-peptide molecule. The hormone “helps” glucose, some proteins and micronutrients get inside the cell, which needs an energy source. Insulin slows down the use of reserve glucose (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis). In adipose tissue it increases the rate of fatty acid synthesis, reducing their concentration in the blood at the same time.

Insulin is dissolved relatively quickly in the liver, the time of the hormone dissolvation injected intravenously is about 10 minutes.

The ingestion of glucose stimulates the production of the hormone, the maximum concentration of which is observed 1.5-2 hours after a meal.

  Absolute or relative insulin deficiency in the body leads to the development of diabetes. In this case, blood sugar does not have time to be “processed”, accumulates and has a very negative effect on many organs. In some cases, cells become insensitive to insulin. Then, with a normal concentration of insulin, diabetes develops.

Excessively high levels of insulin are just as dangerous for the body as low ones, which is connected with active glucose absorption and dropping. As a result, the brain does not get its main source of energy and fails, thus a hypoglycemic coma develops.