Insulin is used by the body to help cells absorb glucose (a form of sugar created by food you eat). Insulin is released from beta or islet cells inside the pancreas when the amount of sugar (glucose) increases quickly inside your blood stream. Insulin is supplied to the cells in your body as the blood sugar levels begin to rise. The higher the sugar levels the more insulin is normally produced. Simple carbs such as bread or pastries are known to produce the most sugar in your blood stream while meats release sugar over time.
When insulin is sent to the cells in your body it begins to stick to the cell membranes and help them to send out responses to absorb glucose. The glucose in combination with insulin inside the cell is turned into energy needed to sustain the cell and help it grow. In essence your body's cells act as a miniature power plant that takes in materials to produce more energy. When you eat sugary items or things like bread your system produces a sudden high amount of energy which quickly fades. However when you have a more balanced meal such as vegetables and meats the cells are able to run more efficiently and use the energy more slowly over time. |