The pancreas is the organ that receives and produces insulin. The main purpose of this vital hormone is to help the body absorb sugar (glucose) from food and use it as a source of energy, as well as to create a store of glucose for later use. In this way, insulin protects the body from both high (hyperglycemia) and low (hypoglycemia) blood sugar levels.
Mechanism of action of insulin
All cells need energy to function. After eating, carbohydrates are broken down in the digestive tract into simple sugars that enter the bloodstream. The resulting increase in blood glucose levels signals the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete the appropriate amount of insulin and bring blood sugar levels back to normal. Most cells are unable to use glucose without the help of insulin. Therefore, insulin is often described as a key that “opens” the doors of cells to allow glucose to enter and be used as energy.
If the body has more sugar than it needs at that moment, insulin stores it in the liver to be used when blood sugar levels are low (between meals) or when additional energy is needed (during physical activity). The more glucose that enters the body, the more insulin the pancreas has to produce to ensure that blood sugar levels are maintained at normal levels. Therefore, consuming large amounts of sugary foods obviously overloads the pancreas.
Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or the cells become insensitive to the action of insulin for various reasons. This causes hyperglycemia in the body. If blood sugar levels remain elevated for a long time, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Types of diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are damaged or destroyed, resulting in a complete insulin deficiency and the body becoming completely dependent on insulin injections. Otherwise, glucose uptake by cells and the complications of hyperglycemia cannot be prevented.
In type 2 diabetes, cells do not respond properly to the action of insulin, that is, their sensitivity to it is reduced, accompanied by the inability of the pancreas to produce the appropriate amount of insulin. Treatment of this type of diabetes usually begins with medication and lifestyle changes, however, since the disease is progressive, in the event of improper therapy, insulin deficiency occurs in later stages, and here too insulin injections are sometimes necessary.
