UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF INSULIN IN YOUR BODY

Most people know that insulin plays a role in diabetes and managing the disease. But many people don’t know exactly what insulin does or its many roles in your health.

At Three Angels Family Practice & Wellness Center, Danette J. Joseph, MD, and her team offer individualized diabetes management plans for patients in Hershey, Pennsylvania, along with education and information to help patients play a more proactive role in their health. If you have diabetes — and even if you don’t — here’s what you should know about insulin and its effects on your health.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT INSULIN

Insulin is a hormone produced by special cells in your pancreas, an organ behind your stomach. The pancreas produces and releases insulin in response to the glucose (sugar) level in your blood.

Once insulin is released into your bloodstream, it allows other organs and cells to absorb glucose, which your body uses for energy. Insulin also aids in the metabolism of fat and protein. Without enough insulin, your organs can’t function the way they’re supposed to, and you can experience life-threatening side effects.

Although most people link insulin problems with diabetes, insulin deficiency can also cause problems with your liver, where insulin helps break down fats. In fact, the liver also plays a role in regulating insulin and glucose levels in your bloodstream.

INSULIN AND DIABETES

Diabetes happens when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough (or any) insulin or your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should.

Because insulin is necessary for transporting glucose out of your blood and into your organs that need it, when you don’t have enough insulin, glucose builds up in your blood, eventually leading to diabetes. At the same time, inadequate glucose causes severe problems with your organs and tissues that require glucose to function.

Most people with diabetes need to use synthetic insulin delivered by a syringe or a pen device or administered through a special pump that delivers insulin at prescribed doses throughout the day. While insulin can help keep your glucose levels from getting too high, too much insulin can also cause serious problems. Having regular preventive care visits ensures your insulin dose remains on target for your needs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIABETES TESTING AND MANAGEMENT

Diabetes increases the risks of other serious medical problems, including limb amputation, vision loss, and kidney failure. Glucose levels are typically measured as part of an annual physical, but they can be measured at other times, too.

To have your glucose levels tested or to learn more about diabetes management and what you can do to stay healthy, call (717) 298-1268 or book an appointment online with Three Angels Family Practice & Wellness Center today.