What is Insulin ?
Insulin is a substance ( a hormone ) produced in our body normally.
Where is Insulin produced in our body ?
Insulin is produced by an organ ( a gland ) called " Pancreas " in our body. Pancreas lies close to stomach.
What does Insulin do in our body ?
Whenever we eat something , it is converted into sugar in our body . Sugar is the fuel that our body uses for energy . Like automobiles use petrol or diesel. But petrol does not move a car unless ignition key is used. Similarly to use the fuel in our body a key is needed which is called Insulin. So Insulin uses sugar to produce energy . Insulin drives sugar out of blood and moves it to different organs to give energy to those organs.
What happens to Insulin production in people with Diabetes ?
Insulin is not produced in sufficient amount in people with Type 2 Diabetes. However in Type1 Diabetes no Insulin is produced at all.
What is the effect of deficient Insulin production ?
If insulin is not produced in sufficient quantity , sugar in blood can't be used to produce energy and thus sugar accumulates in blood . Since body does not get energy , one feels weak and tired always. Weight loss develops.
In Type1 Diabetes , since no insulin is produced , life will be in danger without insulin.
Can we replace Insulin ? Can we give it to a person from outside?
Yes , Science has developed insulin . It can be given to a person from outside .
How is insulin given to a patient ?
Insulin is given as an injection.
Can Insulin be given orally as a tablet or syrup or powder ?
No, insulin is ineffective if given by mouth . Presently it is only available as an injection. However it might be available as an inhaler soon.
We have heard that Insulin is habit forming .Once you start insulin , it has to be taken life long . Is it true ?
No , it is false . Insulin is not habit forming or addictive. Some patients ( for example ,Type 1 Diabetics ) need insulin life long. But this need does not arise because you start using insulin. If there is a need for insulin , it is there whether you use insulin or not. This need does not go away if you say no to insulin.
Insulin is a substance ( a hormone ) produced in our body normally.
Where is Insulin produced in our body ?
Insulin is produced by an organ ( a gland ) called " Pancreas " in our body. Pancreas lies close to stomach.
What does Insulin do in our body ?
Whenever we eat something , it is converted into sugar in our body . Sugar is the fuel that our body uses for energy . Like automobiles use petrol or diesel. But petrol does not move a car unless ignition key is used. Similarly to use the fuel in our body a key is needed which is called Insulin. So Insulin uses sugar to produce energy . Insulin drives sugar out of blood and moves it to different organs to give energy to those organs.
What happens to Insulin production in people with Diabetes ?
Insulin is not produced in sufficient amount in people with Type 2 Diabetes. However in Type1 Diabetes no Insulin is produced at all.
What is the effect of deficient Insulin production ?
If insulin is not produced in sufficient quantity , sugar in blood can't be used to produce energy and thus sugar accumulates in blood . Since body does not get energy , one feels weak and tired always. Weight loss develops.
In Type1 Diabetes , since no insulin is produced , life will be in danger without insulin.
Can we replace Insulin ? Can we give it to a person from outside?
Yes , Science has developed insulin . It can be given to a person from outside .
How is insulin given to a patient ?
Insulin is given as an injection.
Can Insulin be given orally as a tablet or syrup or powder ?
No, insulin is ineffective if given by mouth . Presently it is only available as an injection. However it might be available as an inhaler soon.
We have heard that Insulin is habit forming .Once you start insulin , it has to be taken life long . Is it true ?
No , it is false . Insulin is not habit forming or addictive. Some patients ( for example ,Type 1 Diabetics ) need insulin life long. But this need does not arise because you start using insulin. If there is a need for insulin , it is there whether you use insulin or not. This need does not go away if you say no to insulin.
