In modern society, with changes in lifestyle, diabetes and related blood sugar changes have attracted increasing attention. Among them, insulin, as an important hormone, plays a key role in controlling blood sugar. For those who need to manage blood sugar levels over the long term, it is critical to understand the function of insulin and its relationship to blood sugar control.
Insulin is secreted by the pancreas and its main function is to regulate blood sugar levels. When we eat, blood sugar levels rise, which stimulates the pancreas to release insulin to help cells absorb glucose and convert it into energy. Therefore, insulin plays a vital role in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
However, for people with diabetes, the secretion or action of insulin may be hindered, causing blood sugar levels to become out of control, which can lead to various health problems.
Hyperglycemia refers to a state in which blood sugar levels are abnormally elevated. By definition, hyperglycemia can be considered if blood sugar exceeds 6.9 mmol/L (125 mg/dL) after eight hours of fasting, or exceeds 10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) two hours after eating. If these indicators persist, it may prove that the patient has diabetes. If high blood sugar cannot be effectively controlled, it will damage vital organs in the long term and increase the risk of heart disease, retinopathy, kidney damage, etc.
Diabetes can be divided into type 1 and type 2, and patients with type 2 diabetes often suffer from insulin resistance. This makes it difficult to effectively control blood sugar. When cells' response to insulin is weakened, blood sugar cannot be absorbed and used quickly. Therefore, patients must help manage their blood sugar by changing their diet and exercising.
In addition to medication, many scientific studies have shown that a proper diet and regular exercise can help improve blood sugar control. This shows that changing lifestyle and dietary structure can reduce dependence on drugs to a certain extent.
Insulin is not just a hormone that regulates blood sugar, it acts across many metabolic processes. When blood sugar rises, insulin prompts the liver to convert glucose into glycogen and store it. When blood sugar falls, it promotes the release of glycogen to maintain blood sugar stability. In addition, insulin can also promote the synthesis of fat and protein and inhibit the breakdown of fat, which is essential for maintaining energy balance in the body.
For patients with diabetes, insulin injection is often an integral part of the treatment process. Whether it is a type 1 diabetic patient who relies on exogenous insulin or a type 2 diabetic patient whose diet, exercise and oral medication are not well controlled, insulin therapy can effectively lower blood sugar.
In this regard, patient education and self-management skills are particularly important. Good knowledge and mastery of insulin usage skills can significantly improve treatment effects.
With the advancement of technology, needle-free insulin delivery systems are gradually developed. This innovation is undoubtedly a great boon to diabetic patients, making it easier for patients to manage their blood sugar status without the need for frequent injections. Such technology will undoubtedly play a positive role in improving patients' quality of life and improving compliance with blood sugar management.
Whether you are a healthy person or a diabetic patient, understanding insulin and blood sugar is an important part of understanding health management. As the core hormone that regulates blood sugar, insulin’s role cannot be ignored. In this era of rapid change, how much do you know about your own blood sugar control?