The Role of Insulin in Your Body

Insulin plays an important role in keeping your body working, helping regulate blood sugar levels and making sure your body has the energy it needs to perform essential functions. 

That’s why when insulin production or use gets compromised, it can lead to serious conditions like diabetes.

Our board-certified providers at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, work to help patients manage insulin-related conditions, like diabetes. 

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or you’re looking for more information on managing an insulin-related health issue, take a moment to better understand the importance of insulin in your body and how we can support your health.

What is insulin and how does it work?

Insulin is a hormone. It’s produced by an organ behind your stomach that’s called the pancreas. 

When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin into your bloodstream. This hormone acts as a messenger.

Insulin’s job is to help your body control levels of glucose (sugar), which provides energy for your muscles and other tissues. Any excess glucose gets stored as fat in your liver for future energy use.

In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, insulin plays several other key roles, including:

• Aiding in learning and memory in the brain
• Helping break down fats and proteins
• Building and repairing muscle tissue after injury or illness
• Regulating the uptake of essential substances, like potassium and amino acids

It’s clear from these processes how important insulin is for overall body function, beyond just controlling blood sugar.

What is insulin’s role in diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that results when your insulin function is impaired. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2, and both affect how your body handles insulin.

In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas either produces very little or no insulin. This type is often diagnosed early in life and requires insulin injections or pumps to help manage blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is more common and most often develops when you’re an adult, though it’s possible to get the disease as a child. With type 2, your body still produces insulin, but it becomes resistant to its effects. 

When your body can't use insulin efficiently, glucose builds up in your blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to a range of serious health problems if not managed properly.

What about insulin resistance?

Several factors can contribute to insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Some common causes include:

Obesity

Excess fat, especially around the abdomen, can interfere with the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.

Inactivity

A sedentary lifestyle can make your muscles less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

Poor diet

Eating a diet high in refined sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to insulin resistance.

Genetics

A family history of diabetes may increase your risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

As insulin resistance progresses, your pancreas works overtime to produce more insulin. Eventually, it can no longer keep up, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes.

Managing diabetes: The role of insulin

Effective management of diabetes often revolves around controlling insulin levels and maintaining blood sugar within a healthy range.

If you’re diagnosed with diabetes, a personalized treatment plan is essential to help you stay healthy and reduce the risk of complications.

At Integrative Primary Care, your provider works with you to create a comprehensive plan that fits your lifestyle. 

Depending on your diagnosis and specific needs, your treatment plan may include:

Lifestyle changes

Increasing physical activity and improving your diet can help reduce insulin resistance.

Medication management

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, medications such as metformin or insulin injections may be necessary.

Insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitors

These devices help maintain stable blood sugar levels by providing real-time monitoring and insulin delivery. We may also recommend regular A1C tests. 

Nutritional counseling

A balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in processed sugars is crucial for managing diabetes.

Our providers help you understand your treatment options and provide ongoing support to help you stay on track.

When is it time to get help for insulin-related issues?

If you’re experiencing insulin-related symptoms like extreme thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss, it’s important to seek medical care. 

These could be signs of uncontrolled diabetes or insulin resistance. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing the condition and preventing complications.

At Integrative Primary Care, our board-certified providers specialize in helping patients manage insulin-related issues like diabetes. 

Schedule an appointment with a provider at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, to learn more about how we can help you manage your insulin and live a healthier, more balanced life.