Insulin

Insulin is one of the most crucial hormones for the human body. We have all heard of it, and despite the abundance of information available, myths and misunderstandings persist that distort its functions and its true relevance in our body.

In this guide, we will explore the fundamental characteristics of this essential hormone, with the aim of providing you with information that will broaden your understanding of the most critical aspects of human health.

What is insulin?

As mentioned above, insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Its production is continuous, although it increases significantly when food is consumed. It was discovered in 1921 by a Canadian medical team, revolutionizing our understanding of nutrition and serious diseases such as diabetes.

Importance

Insulin is vital for converting the glucose we get from food into energy that the body can use. This is because it allows glucose in the bloodstream to enter cells and be transformed into energy.

However, its function goes beyond this. Insulin also regulates the level of glucose in the blood. When glucose levels are too high, insulin signals the body to remove glucose from the bloodstream and store it for later use. If this did not occur, fat levels in the body would increase, and the energy reserve system would be inefficient.

Insulin and diabetes

To understand the relationship between insulin and diabetes, it is crucial to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin, which is devastating to the patient's health. Without this hormone, health deteriorates significantly, which can lead to death. Therefore, those suffering from this diabetes must administer external insulin regularly in order to survive.

As for type 2 diabetes, it can range from very low insulin production to almost no insulin production, approaching the type 1 situation. These people are often treated with special diets, usually low in carbohydrates, and require rigorous control of their glucose, as any imbalance could have serious consequences for their health.

Insulin resistance

Finally, we will address the concept of insulin resistance, which is often confused with diabetes, although they are distinct conditions.

Insulin resistance is caused by improper eating habits maintained over time. Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and high blood glucose levels can lead to insulin receptors in our cells beginning to fail. This means that insulin cannot perform its function properly, resulting in the accumulation of blood glucose and significant weight gain.

To combat this resistance, dietary changes are sufficient. In addition, it has been shown that intermittent fasting can be effective in overcoming insulin resistance. Although it is considered a health disorder, it is not directly related to diabetes and its implications.