How does insulin affect blood glucose levels?

How does insulin affect blood glucose levels?

• A. It increases the release of glucose from the liver
• B. It causes fat and muscle cells to take up glucose
• C. It inhibits glycogen storage
• D. It promotes digestion of carbohydrates

Answer: (B)

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, and its primary action is to decrease blood glucose by facilitating the uptake of glucose into various tissues, particularly fat and muscle cells. When insulin is released from the pancreas in response to high blood sugar levels, it binds to insulin receptors on these cells, triggering mechanisms that allow glucose to enter the cells. Once inside, glucose can be utilized for immediate energy or converted to glycogen for storage, which effectively lowers the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. This mechanism is essential for maintaining homeostasis in blood glucose levels, preventing conditions like hyperglycemia. Understanding insulin's impact sheds light on its importance in metabolic processes and the management of diabetes, where insulin signaling can be impaired or absent.

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels, and its primary action is to decrease blood glucose by facilitating the uptake of glucose into various tissues, particularly fat and muscle cells. When insulin is released from the pancreas in response to high blood sugar levels, it binds to insulin receptors on these cells, triggering mechanisms that allow glucose to enter the cells. Once inside, glucose can be utilized for immediate energy or converted to glycogen for storage, which effectively lowers the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream.

This mechanism is essential for maintaining homeostasis in blood glucose levels, preventing conditions like hyperglycemia. Understanding insulin's impact sheds light on its importance in metabolic processes and the management of diabetes, where insulin signaling can be impaired or absent.