insulin
Definition
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the blood. Glucose is the body's main source of energy.
When a person has diabetes, their body either does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to insulin properly. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise. High blood sugar levels can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, and kidney disease.
People with diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels with diet, exercise, and medication. Insulin therapy is one common form of medication for diabetes. Insulin can be injected or taken as a nasal spray.
Insulin is an important hormone that plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels. People with diabetes need to carefully manage their insulin levels to prevent health problems.
How can the word be used?
The patient with type 1 diabetes is insulin dependent.
Different forms of the word
Noun: Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas and helps the body use glucose for energy.
Adjective: Insulin dependent means that a person needs to take insulin injections to control their blood sugar levels. For example, people with type 1 diabetes are insulin dependent.
Etymology
The word "insulin" comes from the Latin word "insula", which means "island". This is because the islets of Langerhans, which produce insulin, are found in the pancreas, which is an organ that is shaped like an island.
Question
What is insulin used for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the role of insulin in regulating blood sugar levels and its significance in maintaining overall health, detailing how insulin is produced, its target cells, and the consequences of insulin imbalance. Provide insights into the connection between insulin and diabetes.
Answer:
Insulin is a vital hormone that plays a central role in regulating blood sugar levels and ensuring the proper functioning of the body's cells. It is produced by the pancreas, specifically by clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans. Insulin acts as a key that unlocks the cells, allowing glucose from the bloodstream to enter and provide energy.
The target cells for insulin are primarily muscle, fat, and liver cells. These cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, helping to lower high blood sugar levels after a meal. In the liver, insulin promotes the storage of excess glucose as glycogen.
Imbalances in insulin production or function can lead to serious health issues, particularly diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells, resulting in a lack of insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin's effects, causing blood sugar levels to remain elevated.
Diabetes can have significant consequences, including fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination, and complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Proper management of diabetes often involves insulin therapy, medication, dietary adjustments, and physical activity to maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
In conclusion, insulin plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels and supporting overall health. Its production, target cells, and importance in maintaining glucose balance are key aspects of its function. Imbalances in insulin function can lead to diabetes, underscoring the significance of proper insulin management in promoting well-being and preventing related complications.