To understand the function of insulin, we first need to briefly know how our body provides the necessary energy to perform its functions.
After the food we eat is digested, it is broken down into sugar with the help of enzymes in our body. Sugar, glucose, is carried to all parts of the body via the bloodstream. Sugar, which is our body's main source of nutrition, must enter the body's cells—muscle cells, fat cells, and liver cells—from the blood to provide energy.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by beta cells in the pancreas, an organ located behind our stomach. It enables the sugar in the blood to leave the bloodstream and enter the cells. Thus, the blood sugar level is also reduced.
In a person without diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin after every food intake to enable the conversion of the consumed nutrients into energy. This means that all people are dependent on insulin. In people with diabetes, however, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the insulin produced is not used by the target cells—muscle, fat, and liver cells. In this case, we need to provide the insulin, which is vital for our body, from outside.
Insulin cannot currently be used in pill or tablet form. Insulin is in liquid form to be injected under the skin with a syringe.
Contrary to popular belief, insulin injection does not cause addiction or habit formation like tobacco and alcohol. Remembering that insulin is a life-saving medication and that by injecting ourselves we are actually doing what is necessary to live a healthier life can make it easier to get used to this idea.
Insulin is one of the most important tools in diabetes treatment. However, insulin alone does not control blood sugar levels. If you do not follow the prescribed diet programs and do not exercise regularly, no insulin in the world can bring your diabetes under control. Learn as much as you can about insulin. This should include the type of insulin you use, its duration of action, and its peak time. You should also learn to coordinate your food intake and exercise program with the timing and dose of your insulin injection.
Source: Turkish Diabetes Foundation
