Insulin: Role of Insulin in causing Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the Pancreas situated across the back portion of the abdomen. A small portion of the pancreas called the “tail” releases two hormones insulin and glucagons directly into the blood. Tiny cells called beta cells in the pancreas secrete insulin in sufficient quantity when needed. Insulin regulates level of glucose in the blood, helps in its utilization and storage by the body.

Role of Insulin in our Body

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats present in our food are converted into glucose in the body. This is absorbed by the blood stream. Pancreas secretes insulin into the blood stream when we eat. Insulin in the blood carries the glucose to all the body cells. It converts glucose into energy within the cells. Glucose finds it difficult to release energy when the insulin is absent, abnormal or insufficient.

Insulin also helps store glycogen (excess glucose) in the liver and muscles. When the cells need energy in between meals, glycogen is converted back into glucose and used by body cells.

Pancreas releases insulin in proportion to the food that we eat. But in diabetes, pancreas produces too little insulin or does not produce or produces defective insulin that cannot be used by the body.