Insulin for diabetes: Insulin is a hormone that helps in the regulation of sugar level in the blood. As we know, sugar is the most important source of energy in our body. But an increase in sugar or glucose levels in the blood can result in diabetes.
It is necessary to maintain insulin for diabetes by eating healthy food as well as following all the precautions. If insulin is not produced in appropriate amounts in the body, it may also cause diabetes. When the amount of insulin is high in the body, it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Insulin has different functions for people who do not have diabetes. But insulin affects differently in people who have complications of diabetes.
Role of insulin in the body
It is an anabolic hormone that helps maintain the blood sugar level in the bloodstream. However, the functions of insulin are quite different for people who are diabetic and non-diabetic. This is a naturally occurring hormone in the body. People who cannot produce enough insulin required for their body are provided with this hormone by other means.
Role of insulin if you do not have diabetes
- Helps to regulate blood sugar level: Carbohydrate is a kind of sugar that is the most important source of energy in our body. It enters the blood and flows throughout the body. After the food starts digesting, certain enzymes break down the carbohydrate into glucose. As a result, the pancreas reacts by producing a hormone known as insulin. This hormone is responsible for allowing sugar or glucose to enter as well as flow in the blood and cells of the body. It helps to regulate the levels of blood sugar in the whole body.
- The liver stores excess glucose in the form of energy: The levels of insulin are comparatively high after we eat. This may result in excess glucose in the body. This excess glucose, which is a form of energy, is stored in the form of glycogen in the liver. When the level of insulin is low in our body, then glycogen is released by the liver, in the form of glucose, back into the blood. This process helps to maintain insulin levels in a moderate amount in the body.
Role of insulin if you have diabetes
- Maintaining insulin for diabetes is very important to avoid many complications of diabetes. The sugar level or glucose level rises continuously in the body of diabetic patients because they do not have enough insulin in their body to lower or maintain their blood sugar level. People who have type 1 diabetes produce little insulin, whereas people who have type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin.
If the insulin level is not maintained properly, it could result in high blood pressure. In many cases, the blood sugar level becomes out of control, resulting in severe complications. These complications can cause kidney damage, nerve damage, blindness, heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Types of insulin
There are three main types of insulin:
- These types are long-acting insulin
- Intermediate-acting insulin
- Fast-acting insulin
- Long-acting insulin: This kind of insulin is absorbed slowly by the body. The effect of long-acting insulin is stable. This insulin lasts for almost a day. This type of insulin is ideal for controlling blood sugar levels overnight, between meals, and during fasting. For example, insulin detemir or insulin glargine start showing their effect in 1-2 hours and lasts for 12-24 hours.
- Intermediate-acting insulin: This type of insulin is absorbed more slowly than fast-acting insulin. Intermediate-acting insulin is also ideal for controlling blood sugar levels overnight, between meals, and during fasting. For example, NPH human insulin starts showing its effect after 1-2 hours and functions for more than 12 hours. Higher doses will have a high duration of functioning.
Another example is pre-mixed insulin. It is mixed with human insulin. They also start functioning in 1-2 hours and have an intermediate effect.
- Fast-acting insulin: This type of insulin, for example, rapid-acting insulin analogue, is absorbed instantaneously by the bloodstream. This insulin is ideal for controlling the levels of blood sugar during snacks as well as meals. They also reduce high blood sugars. This insulin needs 5-15 minutes to show its effect. It lasts for 5-6 hours. It also depends on the number of doses. On average, every dose lasts for as long as 4 hours.
In summary, diabetic complications can be avoided or reduced significantly by taking proper precautions. It is very important to maintain the levels of insulin in the body. It is also advised that you should consume a low-carb and low-sugar diet. Maintaining a good body weight can also help. Insulin plays an important role in leading a healthy life.