Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by Beta cells in the pancreas islets of Langerhans. It plays a crucial role especially in the metabolism of carbohydrates, but also proteins and fats. The most important stimulus for the production of insulin is to increase the postprandial blood glucose. Through its impact increases the transport of glucose into the cells which lowers the blood glucose level.
The insulin molecule consists of two peptide chains A and B linked together two sulfide bridges: Chain A includes 21, and the chain B – 30 amino acids. Are initially isolated as preproinsulin, proinsulin that produces a (1-chain of 86 amino acids). After cleavage of the central portion called the C peptide and amino acid coupling insulin in final form.
In practice, determine the degree of insulin deficiency in a person with diabetes are used to mark insulin or C-peptide in blood serum
The insulin deficiency can be likely recovered and reversed back with use of some diet and exercise routines. It is possible of the pancreas to get back to their normal function. Find out more here.
How Does Insulin Works?
Insulin reaches the bloodstream to various cells of the body and communicates with the surface through specific insulin receptors. Certain mutations in the insulin receptor gene may impair its function and manifest the resistance of tissues to insulin.
Transport of glucose into cells is done by means of specific protein carriers of glucose (glucose transporter- GLUT). Brain cells and some other types such as: eye or kidney cells can take up glucose without insulin. This mechanism protects in some sense the nervous system that needs to function properly permanent commutation of glucose.
Stimulates hepatic glucose storage as glycogen while under the influence of hyperglycemia inhibits the production and release of glucose from liver
- Stimulates the production of fat from excess carbohydrates.
- It stimulates the production of protein in the body in the postprandial period.
- Factors increasing the secretion of insulin:
- An increase in blood sugar levels is the most potent stimulator of insulin secretion
- Some amino acids, fatty acids and ketones
Glucagon – produced in the alpha islet cells of the pancreas and stimulates hepatic glucose output resulting in an increase of its concentration in the blood. Inhibits the release of glucagon, insulin, and the strongest stimulus for its secretion is hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia occurs in the inhibition of insulin secretion).
Find out the tips to control and reverse diabetes here.