Yes, insulin is a hormone.
Understanding Insulin
Insulin is a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas, specifically within specialized areas called the islets of Langerhans. The name "insulin" originates from the Latin word insula, meaning "island," reflecting the islet location within the pancreas. https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hormones-and-endocrine-function/pancreas-hormones
Its primary function is to regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the entry of glucose from the bloodstream into cells throughout the body. This process provides cells with the energy they need to function properly. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323760 Insulin works in conjunction with glucagon, another pancreatic hormone, to maintain blood glucose within a healthy range. Glucagon counters insulin's effects by raising blood sugar levels when they become too low. https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/insulin/
Chemically, insulin is a peptide hormone, a protein chain composed of 51 amino acids. https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Insulin.aspx It's encoded by the INS gene in humans. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin The importance of insulin is highlighted by its role in converting food into energy and managing blood sugar. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22601-insulin Insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin action leads to conditions like diabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance
Key Roles of Insulin:
- Regulates blood glucose levels.
- Facilitates glucose uptake by cells.
- Enables energy production within cells.
- Works in tandem with glucagon for blood sugar balance.
