A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
FULL EXPLANATION
Insulin is produced by beta cells in the pancreas in response to rising blood glucose levels. It acts as a key that allows glucose to enter cells for energy production or storage, while also promoting fat storage and protein synthesis.
Healthy insulin function keeps blood sugar stable and supports efficient energy use. Chronically elevated insulin (hyperinsulinemia) from excess carbohydrates or insulin resistance contributes to weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
WHY IT MATTERS
Insulin regulation is central to metabolic health, body composition, energy levels, and aging. Maintaining insulin sensitivity is one of the most important health interventions.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Improve insulin sensitivity through regular exercise (especially resistance training), maintaining healthy weight, limiting refined carbohydrates, adequate sleep, and time-restricted eating.
NORMAL RANGES
Fasting insulin: optimal <5-10 uIU/mL, elevated >12-15 uIU/mL. HOMA-IR (calculated from fasting glucose and insulin): optimal <1.0, concerning >2.5.
RELATED TERMS
Blood Glucose
The concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood, a critical marker of metabolic health and energy regulation.
mTOR
A cellular signaling pathway that regulates growth and metabolism, with implications for aging and disease.
Insulin Sensitivity
How effectively your cells respond to insulin to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
Glycemic Index
A scale that ranks carbohydrates based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose.
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