Insulin Functions

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Insulin is a hormone produced in the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It is released in response to the increase of intestinal and serum glucose. It should be released in "just the right amount". Too much or too little may cause problems.

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Excess sugar in the diet, under the influence of insulin, is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Not enough glycogen is stored to last even one active day, and excess glucose over glycogen storage capacity is stored as saturated fat.

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Insulin resistance may cause problems in two ways:

1. Cellular insulin function is reduced (use of glucose, for example).
2. Serum functions may be increased (sodium retention, for example).

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Release of insulin triggers resistance in cells as a protection against too much insulin activity. Different tissues have different rates of resistance. First the liver becomes resistant, then then muscles, then the fat cells.

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The most long-lived people around the globe have a common denominator: low normal levels of insulin with low cellular resistance. This means they generally do not eat high carbohydrate diets and maintain an appropriate activity-energy balance.

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INSULIN RELEASE TRIGGERS:

1. Incretins sense glucose in GI tract, report to pancreas.
2. Pancreatic cells respond to ambient glucose levels.
3. Brain responds to blood levels, reports to pancreas.
4. Cellular resistance keeps glucose in blood high,
5. Longer days mean more activity, greater cellular sensitivity, lower glucose levels.
6. Other factors of nutrient and signallling status affect insulin response.

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Glucagon, made in the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans, works to increase blood glucose from various stores in the body so that cells may maintain energy for their functions. It is in metabolic "opposition" to insulin.