INTRODUCTION TO INSULIN HORMONE
Understanding of insulin hormone, its synthesis, functions and its regulation is very important for health care professionals because it’s a crucial hormone secreted by β-cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas, plays a pivotal role in regulating blood glucose levels.
Imagine insulin as a little protein superhero with 51 amino acids, working tirelessly in our body.
It is made up of two chains – the α and β chains.
These two chains are connected by a small peptide known as C peptide.
When insulin is ready to take action, the C peptide gets removed, and insulin is all set to do its job.
Read a detailed article on HORMONES OF PANCREAS by following the link.
FUNCTIONS OF INSULIN IN THE BODY
- Antidiabetic Hormone: Insulin is known for its antidiabetic properties, effectively lowering blood glucose levels.
- Enhanced Glucose Uptake: It increases the transport and uptake of glucose by cells from the bloodstream by enhancing the cell membrane’s permeability to glucose.
- Rapid Glucose Uptake: Insulin stimulates the rapid uptake of glucose by various tissues, including the liver, muscles, and adipose tissues.
- Promotes Glycogenesis: It promotes the storage of glucose in the form of glycogen.
- Inhibits Gluconeogenesis: Insulin prevents the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, inhibiting gluconeogenesis.
- Protein Metabolism: Insulin plays a vital role in protein metabolism by facilitating the transport of amino acids into cells, accelerating protein synthesis, and preventing the conversion of proteins into glucose.
- Fat Synthesis and Storage: Insulin stimulates the synthesis of fat and increases its storage in adipose tissues.
- Promotes Growth: Additionally, insulin promotes overall body growth.
MODE OF ACTIONS AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL
When insulin reaches its target cells, it finds special doors called receptors (proteins).
They fit together like a lock and key to form the “insulin-receptor complex.”
This complex sets off a bunch of cool actions inside the cell (intracellular enzyme system), making sure insulin’s tasks are carried out smoothly.
REGULATION OF INSULIN RELEASE
Insulin secretion is primarily regulated by blood glucose levels.
When blood glucose levels increase, the rate of insulin secretion also rises. Moreover, excess amino acids in the blood and ketoacids can stimulate insulin secretion.
Gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin, parasympathetic stimulation, and sympathetic nerves also influence insulin secretion.
FAQs
Q1. What is the half-life of insulin?
The half-life of insulin is approximately 5 minutes.
Q2. How is insulin synthesized?
Insulin is synthesized from preproinsulin to proinsulin and then undergoes peptic cleavage to form the mature insulin.
CONCLUSION: SIGNIFICANCE OF A BALANCED INSULIN LEVEL
Insulin is a vital hormone that plays a critical role in maintaining blood glucose levels and regulating various metabolic processes.
Its actions on glucose uptake, storage, protein metabolism, and fat synthesis are essential for overall health.
Understanding insulin’s functions and its mode of action is crucial for managing diabetes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In conclusion, insulin’s significance cannot be overstated, and further research on this remarkable hormone will continue to benefit medical science and enhance our understanding of metabolic disorders.
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