Insulin. Is it a hormone or an enzyme, and why does it matter?

Given that insulin is a chemical that activates a biological function, it is natural to wonder whether it is an enzyme or a hormone. Whereas both enzymes and hormones are chemicals and both are needed to activate biological functions, there is a critical difference between the two. Enzymes are basically catalysts, while hormones are like messengers who stimulate certain reactions in the body.

Thus, insulin is a hormone and not an enzyme. Its presence in the blood enables glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used to create energy.

Causes of insulin resistance

Sometimes the insulin produced in the body stops functioning effectively. I.e. it is unable to open cells for glucose in the blood to enter. This leads to an accumulation of glucose in the blood, which is what we call High Blood Sugar. Over time, if ignored or inadequately treated this will result in diabetes and all the ills that diabetes brings, including high BP, kidney disorders, cardiac damage, etc.

Insulin types and their uses

Sometimes, as in the case of Type 1 diabetes, it is not possible to manage the condition with diet, exercise and stress management, and even oral medication. In these cases, external administration of insulin is required. However, as we know, blood sugar management is a 24x7 affair. In other words, the body needs to maintain normal glucose levels day and night, during meals, to do this efficiently the body needs insulin for long-term needs as well as when there is a large intake of glucose, i.e. mealtimes.

Calculating insulin dosage: insulin: carb ratio

When we consume carbohydrates, the body converts it into glucose, which is absorbed into the bloodstream. The presence of glucose in the blood triggers the release of insulin by the pancreas. Sometimes the insulin released by the pancreas is not able to function properly—a condition known as insulin resistance—leading to a rise in blood glucose. To overcome this problem, diabetics need external insulin. However, excess insulin converts glucose into fat, which in turn worsens insulin resistance. This close association between glucose and insulin is the reason diabetics using insulin must calculate their insulin dose as accurately as possible.

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