Insulin regulates glucose, lipid and protein metabolism, as well as other physiologic processes that control nutrient homeostasis, including appetite and fertility.
Insulin is an anabolic hormone and has an essential life-supporting function. Glucose or a metabolite of glucose triggers the release of insulin from insulin producing Beta-cells of the pancreas.
It is a polypeptide dimer of two disulphide linked peptides and is secreted as a prohormone.
Insulin decreases glucose production by slowing the rates of glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver and stimulating the production of glycogen from glucose.
The main function of insulin is to maintain blood glucose levels within a narrow range.
Blood insulin levels decrease as glucose is taken up by tissues and utilized.
The vital role of insulin is best appreciated when look at the consequences of a lack or a lack of insulin response, leading to excess blood glucose.
Hyperglycemia is responsible for many manifestations of the disease.
Hormone of insulin
