Insulin is a hormone produced and secreted by the pancreas. It’s one of the many hormones that helps the body create and store energy. One of its more common functions is the regulation of glucose levels in the blood, or put more simply, our blood sugar levels. Glucose is a simple sugar that provides energy for our bodies. Insulin makes it possible for our body’s cells to absorb glucose from the blood, where it is then stored in organs and tissue as glycogen. Glycogen is the energy reserve for the body. However, when glucose levels decrease, less glycogen is produced, forcing the body to use fat as an energy source.
When the body loses control of insulin levels, diabetes mellitus (“diabetes”) results. Therefore, insulin is used to treat some forms of diabetes. For example, insulin is injected into the body as a treatment for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Because of insulin’s vital role in body function, it is crucial to maintain insulin levels to avoid damage to major organs.
Though insulin is more widely known for its profound effects on metabolism, it does play a role in other body functions, such as vascular conformity and cognition. Learning and memory are enhanced once insulin enters the brain, particularly verbal memory.