What We’ll Cover

• How insulin regulates glucose and supports energy balance.
• What happens when insulin doesn’t work properly in type 2 diabetes.
• The long-term health effects of poor insulin regulation.

Insulin is a key hormone that helps control blood sugar levels and maintain balance. After eating, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin makes sure that this glucose is used or stored effectively to provide the body with energy. However, when insulin doesn’t function properly, like in type 2 diabetes, it can lead to persistent high blood sugar levels and serious health risks.

‍How insulin works in the body‍

After eating, your blood glucose levels rise as carbohydrates from your meal are digested into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, which serves two main purposes:

• Energy production: Insulin helps glucose move from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it is converted into energy for everyday functions like breathing, moving, and repairing tissues.
• Glucose storage: Insulin signals the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen or as fat. This stored energy is released later when your body needs it, such as between meals or during physical activity, to keep blood sugar levels stable.

By managing glucose in these ways, insulin ensures the body’s energy needs are met while preventing excessive glucose levels in the bloodstream.

‍Insulin dysfunction in type 2 diabetes‍

In type 2 diabetes (T2DM), insulin doesn’t work as it should, which we refer to as ‘dysfunction’ This can happen due to two key issues:

• Insulin resistance: The body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter cells and be used as energy.
• Reduced insulin production: Over time, the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to compensate for rising blood glucose levels. Think of it like being overworked and failing to keep up with demands over time.

As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia). This is a hallmark of T2DM and, if unmanaged, can cause long-term damage.The impact of poor insulin regulation
Persistent hyperglycaemia (high blood sugars) caused by insulin dysfunction can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Cardiovascular issues: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Kidney damage: Reduced kidney function, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease.
• Vision problems: Damage to the eyes can result in vision loss or blindness.
• Nerve damage: Issues like tingling, numbness, or ulcers, particularly in the feet.

These complications underscore the importance of managing blood sugar levels and addressing insulin dysfunction effectively.

‍Summary‍

Insulin is a key hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and supports the body’s energy needs. When insulin doesn’t function properly, as in type 2 diabetes, it can lead to serious health risks due to prolonged high blood sugar. Understanding insulin’s role and managing blood glucose levels are crucial to maintaining overall health and preventing complications.