What kind of substance is insulin?

Insulin is a protein hormone synthesized and secreted by pancreatic beta cells. It plays a crucial role in metabolic regulation within the body and is the only hormone capable of lowering blood glucose levels.

Insulin plays a key role in metabolic regulation, with main functions including promoting glucose absorption and utilization, inhibiting glycogen breakdown and gluconeogenesis, thereby reducing blood glucose levels; promoting synthesis of fats and proteins while inhibiting their breakdown. Insulin deficiency or impaired function can lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus. In clinical practice, insulin is widely used to control hyperglycemia in diabetic patients in order to prevent and reduce the occurrence of diabetic complications.

If abnormalities related to insulin are present, prompt medical attention is recommended to avoid delaying treatment.