Clinical Nutrition

Lesson 25: Diabetes Mellitus- Complications and Insulin

Insulin

Insulin has a profound effect on glucose control mechanisms.

Functions of insulin

• It facilitates the transport of glucose through cell membranes with the help of special insulin receptors.
• It enhances conversion of glucose to glycogen and its storage in the liver
• It stimulates lipogenesis
• It inhibits fat and protein break down.
• It increases uptake of amino acids and protein synthesis.
• It influences glucose oxidation through the glycolytic pathway.

Secretion of insulin by the body

• Healthy adults secrete 31 units of insulin daily.
• Obese, Non diabetic adults secrete 114 units of insulin daily due to peripheral resistance.
• Type I diabetics secrete 0-4 units only.
• Type II diabetics secrete 14 units.

Thus diabetes results due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency.

Insulin is the main signal to the body to adjust in feeding and fasting states.

When a large meal is consumed, there is an increase in insulin production which stimulates fuel and energy storage.

When the individual fasts overnight the insulin levels decrease and fuel and energy are mobilized from storage depots.