Insulin: what the hormone is and how it acts in the body

The death of influencer Gabriel Ganley, 22, brought to light discussions about the use of insulin by bodybuilding athletes. Despite not being the official cause of the young man's death, the hormone applications have already been reported by him in interviews and publications on social media. But, after all, what is insulin?

Insulin is an essential and vital hormone for the body to function. Its function is to reduce glucose levels, which is sugar, in the blood, always after a meal. Its use is authorized and recommended for people who have type 1 or 2 diabetes.

According to Martha Gisela Farias dos Santos, endocrinologist at Hospital Quali Ipanema, the substance is produced by the pancreas naturally and released to balance blood sugar levels.

The doctor also explained that the hormone also has an anabolic role, acting directly on tissue construction.

"In practice, it works like a key: every time we eat, insulin is released to open cell doors, which allows sugar to enter and be transformed into energy. Furthermore, it has an anabolic role, acting directly on the storage of nutrients and the construction of tissues", informed the doctor.

Due to its anabolic role, insulin began to be used by bodybuilding athletes, due to its role in rebuilding muscles and tissues. In the long term, however, this use drastically reduces the functioning of the pancreas, causing type 2 diabetes.

See myths and truths about diabetes

Source: CNN