How to Make Insulin Your Friend
Feb 15, 2023
A hormone that is essential for our survival but that seems to be negatively tied with disease is insulin. This demonization seems unwarranted, and you should really look to make insulin your friend.
Insulin has been hailed as a miracle drug for those suffering from diabetes. But its impact extends far beyond just regulating blood sugar levels. From facilitating the storage of energy to supporting growth and repair, insulin plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
But as research continues to uncover new information about this complex hormone, we are beginning to understand that insulin may hold even greater potential — with the possibility of treating a wide range of diseases and conditions.
In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of insulin, exploring its benefits and uncovering the mysteries that still surround this vital hormone.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak to your doctor if you believe you have diabetes or issues with insulin production. Do not use insulin without being under a doctor’s supervision.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. It is produced by the pancreas and is essential for the proper functioning of the body's metabolism.
In addition, insulin helps to regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, which is important for maintaining energy levels and helping prevent diabetes.
How Does Insulin Work in the Body?
Insulin works by binding to receptors on the surface of cells in the body, including those in the liver, muscles, and fat tissue. This binding allows insulin to signal the cells to take up glucose from the blood, which is then used for energy or stored as glycogen (a form of stored glucose) in the liver and muscles.
Also, insulin helps to regulate the metabolism of fats and proteins by stimulating the synthesis of fatty acids and amino acids.
What Role Does Insulin Play for Diabetics?
Insulin is particularly important for people with diabetes, a condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate the level of glucose in the blood.
There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. This results in a complete lack of insulin production and the need for people with Type 1 diabetes to take insulin injections to regulate their glucose levels.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is characterized by a resistance to insulin, which means that the body's cells do not respond properly to the insulin that is produced. This results in high blood sugar levels and the need for people with Type 2 diabetes to take oral medications or insulin injections to control their blood sugar.
How is Insulin Administered?
Insulin is usually administered via injections, but there are also insulin pumps available.
Insulin pumps are small, computerized devices that deliver insulin through a catheter placed under the skin. They allow for more precise dosing and can be programmed to deliver insulin at different times of the day. Insulin pumps are particularly useful for people with Type 1 diabetes who need to take multiple insulin injections every day.
There are also oral medications that can be used to manage blood sugar levels that are available for those with diabetes. A doctor or healthcare professional is needed to determine which method would best suit each individuals personal needs.
What Are the Benefits of Insulin?
When it comes to this incredible hormone, not many people understand the many benefits it provides. Below are some of the benefits you should become familiar with when it comes to insulin.
1. Regulate blood sugar levels
This is by far the most common benefit that people think about. Insulin helps to lower high blood sugar levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels, which is important for overall health.
Related Article: Magnesium and Insulin 101
2. Facilitate the storage of energy
Insulin also helps to store energy in the form of glycogen in the liver and muscle tissue, which can be used later as a source of energy when blood sugar levels are low.
3. Support growth and repair
Insulin promotes the growth and repair of cells and tissues by stimulating the uptake of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
4. Help prevent diabetes
Insulin plays a key role in preventing diabetes, a disease characterized by uncontrollably high blood sugar levels. When the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it effectively, diabetes can develop.
5. Helping with weight loss
Insulin helps to regulate the metabolism and storage of fat and glucose, which can be helpful for weight loss.
Can People Without Diabetes Use Insulin?
The short answer to this is yes. Insulin can also be used by people without diabetes to help regulate their glucose levels and metabolism. Athletes and bodybuilders, for example, may use insulin to help increase muscle mass and improve performance (although this needs to be done under a doctor’s supervision as injecting insulin can be fatal if done incorrectly).
Additionally, insulin is sometimes used in the treatment of certain conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and acromegaly, a condition caused by an overproduction of growth hormone.
Are There Risks Involved with Using Insulin?
Whether you use insulin to treat diabetes or for other means, there are inherent risks involved, which is why you should not use insulin unless directed and monitored by your doctor.
Taking too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by low blood sugar levels. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even seizures. To avoid hypoglycemia, it's essential to monitor blood sugar levels regularly and adjust insulin doses as needed.
How to Further Make Insulin Your Friend
One of the things high up on your list if you’re into bodybuilding or improving your physique is how you manage insulin and your ability to utilize carbohydrates rather than store them.
Make insulin your friend by adding Evogen Nutrition Evolog to your high-carb meals! Most people are worried about the insulin dump they’ll get when they consume a meal that is heavy in carbs. With Evolog, you can put your mind at ease.
Evolog was specifically designed by Hany Rambod to help improve digestion, enhance glucose optimization, and shuttle carbohydrates into the muscles. This combination provides you the ability to better break down your high-carb meals, push the carbs you consumed into your muscles rather than into fat cells, and maximizes muscle volume — helping your muscle look and stay full all day long.
Now go give your insulin a high-five and start building some impressive size on your frame from those cheat meals or high-carb meals!