m  
Home > Insulin
Insulin


Insulin is a hormone which is produced by the pancreas, a small organ with many
functions that sits behind the stomach.  Insulin is secreted by islet cells located
within the pancreas.  It is an essential hormone; human beings could not live without
it.

Insulin is responsible for allowing glucose to enter the body’s cells, which convert
the glucose into energy.  After a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin in response to
the increased blood sugar detected by the body.  The cells grab the insulin, which
activate receptors that allow the cells to absorb the glucose in the bloodstream and
into the cell.  Insulin acts like a key, opening the door to allow the glucose in the
bloodstream to enter the cells.

Without insulin, the cells cannot process the glucose and the body can actually begin
to starve, not being able to convert the glucose into energy.  Over time, the build up
of glucose in the bloodstream can also cause serious complications.  Insulin is vital
to the human body.

In type 1 diabetes, the body makes antibodies that attack the insulin producing beta
cells in the islet cells, thus producing little or no insulin.  People with type 1 diabetes
must have their insulin replaced with shots, pens or insulin pumps.  Some types of
insulin are now also able to be inhaled.

People with type 2 diabetes usually develop insulin resistance, where although the
levels of insulin in the body are normal, the cells are not able to use the insulin
properly or ignore it altogether, causing the glucose to build up in the bloodstream.  
Type 2 diabetics sometimes need insulin shots, but other treatment options, like
regular exercise, a healthy diet and weight loss are more common and effective.

Types of Insulin

Insulin is classified by how fast it begins to work and how long the effects last.  The
doctor will decide which type of insulin is appropriate for the patient, based on
factors like age, the body’s reaction to the insulin and the patient’s lifestyle choices.

Types of insulin include:

Rapid Acting:  Starts to lower blood glucose within five to ten minutes after
injection and lasts three to five hours.

Short Acting:  Starts to lower blood sugar within thirty minutes after injection.  It is
most effective two to five hours after injection and lasts five to eight hours.

Intermediate Acting:  Starts to lower blood sugar one to two hours after injection.  
It is most effective six to twelve hours after injection and lasts eighteen to twenty
four hours.

Long Acting:  Starts to lower blood glucose four to six hours after injection.  It is
most effective ten to eighteen hours after injection and lasts twenty to thirty six
hours, depending on which type of long acting insulin is used.

Premixed Insulin:  Combination of two different types of insulin – intermediate
acting and short acting.  Starts to lower blood glucose ten to thirty minutes after
injection.  It is most effective two to twelve hours after injection and lasts fourteen
to twenty four hours, depending on which brand and type are used.

Click Here to learn more about insulin
 email lookup
Search this site!
If you have medicare, you may qualify for free diabetes supplies
Subscribe to our Free Newsletter!

Our free monthly newsletter will provide you with updated diabetes related
information that will inform you of the latest developments in the health industry,
plus more hints and tips on living healthier, happier and longer, winning the battle
over diabetes.  Subscribe today!
Subscribe Me!

Name:
Email Address:
© 2005 ChirinoWeb, All rights reserved.
The content in this website is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and it
is in no way meant to diagnose any illness or to replace the recommendations and
directions given by a health care professional.

 Site Map       Disclaimer        Privacy Policy         Links       Forum Boards
Natural Diabetes Breakthrough
Natural Solution to diabetes