Insulin plays a critical role in metabolism. Abnormal insulin levels contribute to a variety of medical conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, which is caused when no insulin is produced by the pancreas, and Type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or fails to react to it. Insulin levels also play an important role in maintaining a healthy weight.
About Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas. When you eat, your body releases insulin to help convert the food you eat into glucose, which is transported to your body's cells. The glucose is either stored by the body or used immediately to provide energy. When insulin production is excessive or inadequate, changes in blood sugar may result in a variety of symptoms, and may even lead to chronic conditions such as diabetes, which is one of the most common metabolic disorders.
Effects on Metabolism
Insulin is crucial for the metabolism of dietary carbohydrates. When diabetes was first discovered, many doctors recommended that their patients limit carbohydrate intake, since they believed that excessive carbs led to diabetes. In later years, research showed that the real problem is insulin levels, not the amount of carbs. For this reason, many doctors recommend that 50 to 60 percent of their patients' diet come from carbs, according to "The Insulin-Resistance Diet."
Effects on Fat Metabolism
Proper insulin levels are also crucial for the metabolism and storage of fat. Instead of converting fat to glucose, as it does for carbohydrates, insulin causes fat to be stored in the body's tissues. Insulin's effects on glucose production also influence body fat levels. High levels of insulin can cause excessive glucose levels to accumulate in the body. Whatever glucose the body does not use or excrete in urine, it stores as fat. This is why diabetic patients often experience weight gain when they begin taking insulin.
Problems
When insulin levels are too low, your body cannot use the food you eat to provide energy. Excessive glucose accumulates in the blood stream resulting in high blood sugar. Because the body cannot use the glucose, it is excreted in urine, which puts stress on the kidneys. You may experience excessive, frequent thirst and increased urination. You can prevent the onset of insulin-related metabolic disorders like Type 2 diabetes by losing weight if you are overweight or obese and by consuming a diet that is low in calories and fat, according to the Diabetes Prevention Program.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Insulin and Weight Gain: Keep the pounds off
- FamilyDoctor.org: Diabetes: Insulin Basics
- Colorado State University: Physiologic Effects of Insulin; R. Bowen; 2009
- "The Insulin-Resistance Diet"; Cheryle E. Hart and Mary Kay Grossman; 2007
- "American Dietetic Association Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; Roberta Larson Duyff; 2006
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Prevention Program:
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