Insulin Functions and Glucose Metabolism

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, regulates blood glucose, amino acids, and fats post-meal. It affects muscles, fat tissue, and the liver. After eating, food is broken down into glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, which enter the blood. Insulin helps muscles use glucose for energy and store it as glycogen, aids the liver in storing glucose and converting it to fatty acids, and allows fat cells to store glucose as glycerol and triglycerides. Lack of insulin or cell desensitization leads to diabetes.

What is the primary function of insulin in the body?

• To increase blood pressure

• To regulate blood levels of glucose, amino acids, and fats

• To produce red blood cells

• To digest proteins

Which organ is responsible for producing insulin?

• Kidneys

• Pancreas

• Heart

• Liver

After a meal, into what three components is food broken down?

• Enzymes, acids, and bases

• Vitamins, minerals, and water

• Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins

• Sugars, fibers, and starches

What happens to blood glucose levels after a meal?

• They increase

• They fluctuate randomly

• They remain constant

• They decrease

How does insulin help glucose enter muscle cells?

• By opening glucose doors

• By breaking down glucose

• By converting glucose to proteins

• By closing glucose doors

What is glucose stored as in muscle cells?

• Proteins

• Fatty acids

• Triglycerides

• Glycogen

In the liver, what does insulin convert glucose into?

• Vitamins

• Amino acids

• Fatty acids

• Proteins

What is the role of insulin in fat tissue?

• To break down triglycerides

• To convert glucose into glycerol

• To store glucose as glycogen

• To convert glucose into amino acids

What condition can result from the inability to produce insulin?

• Hyperthyroidism

• Anemia

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

What happens to fatty acids in the presence of insulin?

• They are broken down into glucose

• They are used for immediate energy

• They are converted into proteins

• They are stored as triglycerides