The hormone primarily associated with diabetes is insulin, or rather, the lack of it or the inability of the body to use it properly. Diabetes arises when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or when the body's cells become resistant to its effects.
How Insulin Works
Insulin is a crucial hormone produced by the pancreas. Its main role is to regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the movement of sugar from the bloodstream into the body's cells. Once inside the cells, sugar is converted into energy, either for immediate use or for storage.
The Problem in Diabetes
In diabetes, one of two things typically happens:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The pancreas does not produce enough insulin. This is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The pancreas may produce insulin, but the body's cells do not respond properly to it (insulin resistance). This results in the body not being able to use the sugar effectively.
Types of Diabetes
| Type | Insulin Production | Insulin Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Not enough or no insulin is produced by the pancreas. | Normal |
| Type 2 | May or may not produce sufficient insulin. | Reduced |
Key Takeaway
Therefore, while not actively produced in diabetes, the underlying issue of the disease directly relates to the hormone insulin. The condition occurs because either the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body is resistant to the effects of insulin and is therefore unable to properly use the sugar in the blood.
