Insulin is a hormone made by beta cells in the pancreas. It acts as a ‘key’ that allows glucose (sugar) from food to enter cells to be used for energy.
What Insulin Does:
After you eat, your blood sugar rises. The pancreas releases insulin, which signals cells throughout the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This lowers blood sugar levels and provides cells with energy. Insulin also helps store excess glucose in the liver and muscles for later use.
Insulin Resistance:
When cells become less responsive to insulin, the pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. This is called insulin resistance and is a key factor in type 2 diabetes and PCOS. The body has to work harder to keep blood sugar levels normal, which can lead to consistently high insulin levels.
Signs of Insulin Issues:
Insulin resistance can cause weight gain (especially around the abdomen), increased hunger, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, and dark patches of skin (acanthosis nigricans). It’s also linked to hormonal imbalances that can cause irregular periods and acne.
