Insulin comes from your pancreas.
The Pancreas: Insulin's Manufacturing Plant
The pancreas is a vital organ located behind your stomach. It plays a key role in digestion and hormone production. Specifically, within the pancreas are clusters of cells called the islets of Langerhans. These islets contain several types of cells, including beta cells.
Beta Cells: The Insulin Producers
Beta cells are responsible for producing, storing, and releasing insulin. When you eat, your blood sugar levels rise. This increase in blood sugar signals the beta cells to release insulin into the bloodstream.
Insulin's Role: Regulating Blood Sugar
Once released, insulin acts like a key, unlocking cells throughout your body to allow glucose (sugar) from your blood to enter and be used for energy. This process helps lower your blood sugar levels back to a normal range.
What Happens When Insulin Production is Impaired?
If the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, or if the body becomes resistant to its effects (as in type 2 diabetes), glucose can't enter the cells effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia. This can lead to various health complications.
Synthetic Insulin: A Lifesaving Medication
For individuals with diabetes who don't produce enough or any insulin, synthetic insulin, which is manufactured in a laboratory, is available. This insulin can be injected or delivered through an insulin pump to help regulate blood sugar levels.
