Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates, helping to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood and increasing the ability of certain organs such as muscles and liver to utilise glucose and amino acids.Insulin also increases the total quantity of protein in the body by increasing the flow of amino acids into cells.

 

At times of low energy demand, insulin converts excess dietary carbohydrate into body fat until it is next required for physical activity or metabolic processes. If the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, a person develops Type 1 diabetes and must administer insulin through injections. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body cannot metabolise the insulin that is produced, a person develops Type 2 diabetes and may require oral medication or insulin injections.