Carbohydrate metabolism
Insulin plays a major role in the regulation of blood glucose level. It helps to lower the blood glucose level, by metabolize breakdown sugar so that the body can use it as a fuel. It stimulates the formation of glycogen from glucose.
Insulin also inhibits gluconeogenesis (the conversion of nutrient molecules other than carbohydrates into glucose).
The insulin actually forces the glucose into cells where it is used for the multitude of functions that are necessary for the body to function properly.
It promotes the passages of glucose out from the blood into the tissues, by binding receptors on target cells, especially skeletal muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, and adipose cells, facilitating their uptake of glucose from the blood stream.
By performing these activities, insulin effectively reduces the levels of glucose in the blood.
Lipid metabolism
The metabolism of both endogenous and exogenous fat is profoundly influenced by insulin. Insulin activates synthesis and inhibits catabolism of lipids while shutting off the synthesis of glucose in the liver.
Protein metabolism
Insulin is an anabolic hormones, it stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits protein degradation.
Additional physiological roles of insulin include regulating the metabolism of macronutrients and stimulating cellular growth.
The roles of insulin in human body
