Insulin is vital for life. This naturally-occurring hormone helps the body convert sugar into energy. The pancreas produces enough insulin in healthy individuals. However, organ dysfunction may prevent the creation or release into the bloodstream. This condition results in a chronic ailment called diabetes. People can avoid potentially fatal drops with the injection of synthetic insulin hormones.
How Insulin Hormones Work
Insulin can move sugar, otherwise known as glucose, everywhere in the body. It is helpful to think of it as a key that opens the doors of various cells. The amount of glucose in the bloodstream drops as it fuels more of your cells. You can ingest more food to replenish this if you are feeling low on energy.
People who do not have enough insulin hormones cannot use glucose in their blood. The cells will not open. It ends up as wasted fuel. Excessive amounts of insulin in the bloodstream can lead to hyperglycemia. Its symptoms include frequent urination, extreme hunger, blurred vision, increased thirst, and fatigue. Wounds also heal slowly. Some experience weight loss and skin infections.
What Factors Affect Insulin Production and Release?
Individuals diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that does not make enough of the hormone to manage blood sugar. It is a life-long autoimmune disease affecting children and adults. It requires insulin monitoring and injection.
In contrast, people with Type 2 diabetes have cells that cannot absorb glucose from the food consumed. It may lead to other health problems, like stroke, heart ailments, and kidney disease. Management involves lifestyle changes, medications, and insulin injections.
You can get into problems even if you do not have diabetes. Pre-Diabetics have elevated blood glucose readings, but not enough for a Type 2 diagnosis. Their bodies are getting increasingly resistant to insulin. They cannot use the hormone as intended.
Prescription Insulin Hormones
Doctors may prescribe synthetic insulin to lower blood sugar and maintain good health. It acts just like the naturally-produced hormone. Patients may give themselves a shot using a special pen or a syringe. Others use an insulin pump attached to the body through a tiny catheter under the skin. Lastly, you can inhale insulin in powdered form.
Conclusion
Insulin hormones are essential for blood sugar regulation. If you cannot make enough, you can experience severe discomfort and develop dangerous chronic ailments. Health care providers can prescribe human-made insulin as part of your treatment.
Leave a Reply