Insulin is an important hormone produced by the pancreas. It is a key that opens the cell’s gate for glucose to come in, helping the body use and store sugar (glucose) from food.
When insulin is depleted within the body, it cannot regulate the amount of glucose in the blood thus leading to high blood sugar.
A manufactured insulin can therefore be used to control the blood sugar.
Mechanism of Action ( Insulin)
Normally the islets of Langerhans, a group of endocrine cells in the pancreas produces and releases some amounts of insulin to the blood when the blood sugar level rises, usually after a meal. This lowers the blood sugar levels.
This hormone helps sugar (glucose) to be absorbed from the bloodstream into the cells of the body also cleaning excess glucose from the bloodstream where it could create damage. Insulin also allows the liver and the muscles to store excess sugar, as well as keeping the liver from producing more sugar.
When you feel dizzy after eating a meal means your body is on a standby mode because the insulin has reached its peak.
Short term effects of insulin peaks
• Promotes cholesterol synthesis in the liver (leading to high cholesterol).
• Raises blood pressure and causes water retention.
• Slows down secretion of growth hormone.
• Pro-inflammatory effects.
• Abrupt insulin peaks lead to rebound hypoglycemia (hunger dysregulation).
Long term effects of insulin peaks
• Insulin resistance develops.
• Hyperinsulinemia develops (more and more insulin needed to control blood glucose).
• Pancreas stops making insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease.