Insulin is a hormone. A hormone has been described as a substance (a protein molecule usually) that is secreted by one cell which has an influence on the action of another cell (the target cells). Insulin (the hormone) is secreted by the islet cells that are found in pancreas. The islet cells secrete insulin in response to the presence of glucose in the bloodstream. If more glucose is present, as is the situation after a meal, more insulin is secreted. Insulin acts mainly on the liver, muscle and fat cells of the body (the target cells). Muscle cells form the greater bulk of the body mass. The muscle cells of the body consume or take up most of the glucose.
The action of insulin on the muscle cells may be liken to that of a “key” that turns the “lock” (insulin receptor) on a muscle cell which opens a door for the entry of glucose into the cell. Glucose must enter the muscle cell before it can be used to produce energy that we require for breathing, heartbeat and walking.
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