Insulin: what does it do in our body and what happens when it is high or low?

by time news

2024-07-18 21:53:20

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in Mexico. Reasons to ask us: What is insulin and what happens in our body when we have too much or too much insulin? In one more of “Ask the Expert”, we have done the task of answering your questions, and this time we have to talk about insulin. Click the video and have no doubt!

What is insulin?

To understand its effect on the body, it is important to start at the beginning. Insulin is a hormone, which is produced by the pancreas with the purpose of helping the body to use the sugar it eats, to turn it into energy. In the case of people with diabetes, the body cannot produce enough insulin, so the amount of sugar in the blood rises, as explained by United States Library of Medicine.

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Different types of insulin

Throughout more than a century of existence, insulin is “artificial”, meaning that our body does not produce it. It has come through leaps and bounds, according to them National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, There are different types of insulin, which work at different speeds and times: +

  1. Rapid-acting insulin: It works after 15 minutes after use, its peak is reached in an hour, and its duration is 2 to 7 hours.
  2. Rapid-acting insulin, inhaled: It works after 10 to 15 minutes after use, its peak is reached after 30 minutes and its duration is 3 hours.
  3. Short-acting insulin: It works after 30 minutes after use, its peak is between 2 to 3 hours, and its duration is 3 to 6 hours.
  4. Intermediate-acting insulin: It works after 2 to 4 hours after use, the maximum point is reached in 4 to 12, and its duration is 12 to 18 hours.
  5. Long-acting insulin: It works after 2 hours after use, does not reach a peak, and lasts up to 24 hours.
  6. Long-acting insulin: It works after 6 hours after use, does not reach a peak, and lasts up to 36 hours.

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Side effects and considerations of insulin use

The use of insulin can cause side effects, although most of them are manageable with proper dosage adjustment and medical supervision. The most common side effects They include hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels), weight gain, and injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or redness.

In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may occur. It is important for people who use insulin to monitor their glucose levels regularly and follow their doctor’s orders to avoid complications. In addition, they should tell them about the symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat them quickly.

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Insulin: what does it do in our body and what happens when it is high or low?

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