Back home   |   Bookmark   |   Start page   |   Site map    
Services
News
Channels
Home & Family
Leisure
Technology
Business
Science
Site Search
Free email




Insulin; Vital Hormone

TheAllINeed.com/Jesus Chirino /
What Does Insulin Do?

Insulin allows glucose to enter the body's cells, which grab the insulin and convert it into energy. When the body detects an increase in blood glucose after a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin. The cells in the bloodstream grab the insulin, which activates receptors that allow the cells to absorb the glucose into the cell. Insulin is like a key, it opens the door of the cell to allow the glucose in the bloodstream to enter it.

Without insulin, the body can actually begin to starve, as the cells would not be able to absorb the glucose and convert it into energy. Over time, the build up of glucose in the bloodstream will also cause serious complications. As you can see, insulin is a vital hormone.

Insulin and Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body generates antibodies that kill the betta cells within the islet cells, which produce insulin. Type 1 diabetics need to have insulin shots or use insulin pumps in order to control their blood glucose levels.

People with type 2 diabetes usually develop insulin resistance, where although the levels of insulin in the body are normal, the body cannot properly use the insulin, causing the glucose to build up in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetics need insulin shots sometimes, but mostly treatment includes a healthy diet, weight loss and regular physical activity.

Types of insulin

Insulin is classified by how fast it begins to work and how long the effects last. Based on factors like your body's natural reaction to the insulin, your lifestyle choices and your age, the doctor will determine which type of insulin is appropriate for you.

Types of insulin include:

Rapid Acting: Starts to lower blood glucose within 5 to 10 minutes and lasts 3 to 5 hours

Short Acting: Stars to lower blood sugar with 30 minutes and lasts 5 to 8 hours

Intermediate Acting: Starts to lower blood sugar levels within 1 to 2 hours and lasts 18 to 24 hours.

Long Acting: Starts to lower blood glucose four to six hours after injection and lasts 20 to 36 hours, depending on the type and brand that is used

Premixed insulin: Combination of intermediate acting and short acting insulin.

Conclusion

If you have pre diabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, it is important that you educate yourself as much as you can on your condition and on the important functions of insulin. Talk to your health care professional and discuss which treatment options and insulin types are right for you. Following the doctor's advice and making the needed lifestyle changes will help you stay happy and healthy for a long time to come. <

About the Author
©2006 All rights reserved
http://www.yourlifewithdiabetes.com

  Click here to see related videos
More articles
Air filters
Activity for Alzheimer's Patient
Smaller spoons
Mutation of genes
Cure for panic attack
Heart Menopause
Magnetic Therapy
Diabetes in children
Nutrition causes birth defects
Transcendental Meditation
Quit Smoking
Insulin
Sleeplessness or imsomnia
Cholesterol's Natural Enemies
Sleep habits diabetes
After laser eye surgery
Prostrate hypertrophy
Positive Body Image
Good Night's Sleep
Middle age
Quotes
If I work incessantly to the last, nature owes me another form of existence when the present one collapses. -- Goethe, 1829

If a few idiots want to risk their necks flying across the country thats fine, but nothing will ever replace trains.


Writers
If you are a writer and want to see your article published at Theallineed.com, just click here to submit.

Info
Today...
In the news...
Detroit Clinic Owner, Doctor and Office Manager Indicted in Medicare Infusion Fraud Scheme
Three Miami-Dade County, Fla., residents have been indicted in connection with an alleged $2.3 million Medicare fraud scheme operated out of X-Press Center, a Detroit-area clinic that purported to specialize in providing injection and infusion therapies.
Which Operating System do you use?
Windows
Linux
OS2
FreeBSD
Other
 
Things to ponder
Do boxer shorts box?

Did you know...
Atomic bombs release 50% energy as blast, 35% as heat and 15% as nuclear radiation.

Quote of the day
Boyhood, like measles, is one of those complaints which a man should catch young and have done with, for when it comes in middle life it is apt to be serious.
PG Wodehouse

Featured article
7 tips for scoring a Nintendo Wii

 
© Lexur