Insulin

insulin

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use and store energy from food. When you eat, insulin helps move sugar from the blood into cells so it can be used for fuel or stored for later. It signals the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen and tells fat cells to hold on to fat. This balancing act keeps blood sugar levels within a safe range so organs like the brain and muscles get steady energy. If the body makes too little insulin or cells stop responding to it, blood sugar can rise and lead to diabetes, with effects across the body. A condition called insulin resistance forces the pancreas to work harder and may cause weight gain, tiredness, and increased risk of heart disease. Doctors measure insulin and blood sugar to diagnose problems and guide treatments, which can include lifestyle changes, medications, or injected insulin. Understanding insulin is important because it connects what we eat with how our bodies store and use energy, affecting long-term health and daily well-being.