Insulin

Insulin (Latin insula, "island", as it is produced in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas) is a polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism. Apart from being the primary effector in carbohydrate homeostasis, it also has a substantial effect on small vessel muscle tone, controls storage and release of fat (triglycerides) and cellular uptake of both amino acids and some electrolytes. In this last sense, it has anabolic properties. Its concentration (more or less, prsence or absence) has extremely widespread effects throughout the body.

See also

• anatomy and physiolology
• glucagon
• pancreas
• islets of Langerhans
• endocrinology
• forms of diabetes mellitus
• diabetes mellitus
• diabetes mellitus type 1
• diabetes mellitus type 2
• treatment
• Diabetic coma
• intensive insulinotherapy
• insulin pump
• conventional insulinotherapy