The hormone insulin is an important part of the body's metabolic system. The main role of the hormone insulin is to help control blood sugar. Disorders of the hormone insulin can cause health problems.
Insulin is a natural hormone produced by the pancreas. When we eat, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which allows the body to convert glucose into energy and distribute it throughout the body. This hormone also helps the body store this energy.
The role of the hormone insulin in controlling blood sugar The hormone insulin
helps to control blood sugar (glucose) in the body.It does this by signaling fat, muscle, and liver cells to take glucose from the blood and convert it to glycogen (muscle sugar) in muscle cells, triglycerides in fat cells, and both in liver cells.
Glycogen and triglycerides are a form of energy source stored by the body.
As long as the pancreas is making enough insulin and the body can use it properly, blood sugar will always be in a healthy range. Because in essence, too much or too little glucose is not good for you.
A build-up of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) can lead to complications, such as kidney and nerve damage and eye problems. While too little glucose in the blood (hypoglycemia) can make us feel tired, irritable, confused, unconscious, ie fainting.
If there is not enough insulin in the blood, the body cells will start to starve. Insufficient insulin means glucose cannot be broken down and cells cannot use it.
As a result, fat begins to be broken down into energy. The process then leads to the build-up of chemicals called ketones.
Ketones that accumulate in the blood and urine are very dangerous because they can trigger ketoacidosis in diabetics.Ketoacidosis can also be life threatening if not treated quickly.
Symptoms include frequent urination for one or more days, feeling very thirsty and tired, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness and loss of consciousness.
Health problems due to insulin problems
If insulin production or work is interrupted, various diseases or conditions can attack you:
1. Insulin resistance
This condition occurs when muscle, fat cells and liver patients cannot properly use insulin. As a result, the pancreas will work harder to produce more insulin so that the glucose can be used for energy.
If left untreated, insulin resistance will develop into diabetes over time.
2. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the blood sugar level becomes too high due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy. Glucose cannot be changed because there is not enough insulin in the body or cells in the body make it respond to insulin.
3.Insulinoma
Insulinoma is a small tumor of the pancreas. This tumor causes excessive production of insulin.
4. Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome
is a group of conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems, such as stroke and diabetes.
On the other hand, a condition in which insulin does not work effectively to lower blood sugar levels, known as insulin resistance, can also increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. .
5. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a medical condition that causes problems with the functioning of the ovaries. PCOS causes abnormal levels of several hormones in the body, including higher levels of the hormone insulin.
Many women with PCOS also develop insulin resistance.As a result, the body will produce more insulin.
Insulin is one of the important hormones in the body. Without the hormone insulin, cells will run out of energy and will have to find alternative sources of energy. As a result, life-threatening complications can arise.
Therefore, it is important for us to regularly check our condition with the doctor and to have regular blood sugar checks. If there are any signs of interference with insulin, the doctor can immediately determine the appropriate treatment steps.