What are the effects and hazards of insulin?

The main function of insulin is to control the liver, adipose tissue and muscles, effectively control various nutrients such as protein esters and fat, and have a very obvious effect on sugar metabolism and the inhibition of glucose, so it helps to lower blood sugar and blood pressure. However, in the process of improper use, insulin will also produce some side effects and hazards. For example, when given to some diabetic patients, patients who consume it under unknown conditions should be careful to avoid adverse reactions after use.

Main Function

Insulin mainly acts on the liver, muscles and adipose tissue, controlling the metabolism and storage of the three major nutrients: protein, sugar and fat.

(1) Effect on glucose metabolism. It can accelerate the utilization of glucose and inhibit the production of glucose, that is, increase the outflow of blood sugar and reduce the source, thus lowering blood sugar.

① Accelerate the utilization of glucose. Insulin can increase the permeability of cell membranes to glucose, promote the transport of glucose from outside the cells to inside the cells, provide favorable conditions for tissues to utilize sugar, and promote the activity of glucose kinase (inside the liver) and hexokinase (outside the liver), promoting the conversion of glucose into glucose-6-phosphate, thereby accelerating the fermentation and oxidation of glucose; and promote the synthesis and storage of liver glycogen and muscle glycogen under the action of glycogen synthase.

② Inhibit the production of glucose, inhibit the decomposition of glycogen into glucose, and inhibit the conversion of glycerol, lactic acid and amino acids into glycogen, reducing glycogen synthesis.

(2) Effect on fat metabolism. Promote the synthesis and storage of fat and inhibit the decomposition of fat. In diabetes, sugar metabolism is impaired, fat is mobilized in large quantities, and a large amount of free fatty acids are produced, which are oxidized to acetyl coenzyme A in the liver and then converted into ketone bodies. If ketone bodies are produced too much, ketonemia will occur. Insulin can inhibit fat decomposition and promote the utilization of sugar, thereby inhibiting the production of ketone bodies and correcting ketoacidosis.

(3) Effect on protein metabolism. Promote protein synthesis and prevent protein decomposition.

(4) Insulin can promote potassium ions and magnesium ions to pass through the cell membrane and enter the cell; it can promote the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

The side effects that may occur during the use of insulin include:

(1) Hypoglycemic reaction. This is the most common side effect of insulin. This is usually due to relatively excessive insulin dosage. In order to avoid hypoglycemia during the use of insulin, it is necessary to start with a small dose, closely monitor blood sugar, and gradually adjust the amount of insulin so that the amount of insulin gradually reaches the appropriate dose that can satisfactorily control blood sugar without causing hypoglycemia. Diabetic patients who take insulin must eat on time after injecting insulin, and the amount of meals and activities must also be fixed. If they do not eat on time after injecting insulin, or engage in strenuous exercise after injecting insulin, hypoglycemia may occur. Diabetic patients who inject insulin must carry candies, biscuits and other foods with them so that they can treat themselves in time when hypoglycemia occurs.

(2) Weight gain. This is also a common side effect of insulin. Insulin can promote the synthesis of protein and fat in the body. If diabetic patients do not control their diet after taking insulin treatment and consume too many calories, their weight will gradually increase. Therefore, diabetic patients receiving insulin treatment still need to control their diet to avoid gradual weight gain. As a result, the amount of insulin used must also be gradually increased, forming a vicious cycle.

(3) Refractive error. It mainly occurs in diabetic patients in the early stages of insulin use and whose blood sugar levels are higher before insulin use. We have already mentioned the causes of refractive error. This side effect is temporary. As the insulin is used for a longer period of time and blood sugar is controlled smoothly, this side effect will gradually disappear.