Definition: A hormone secreted by the pancreas which plays a vital role in carbohydrate metabolism. When blood sugar rises, insulin acts to cause certain cells of the body to take in glucose, primarily liver and fat cells.
Most low-carb diet authors theorize that chronically high insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) result in the body becoming very efficient at storing fat, and less good at retrieving fat for energy. Lowering blood glucose (by decreasing carbohydrate intake) lowers blood insulin levels and increases the body’s ability to utilize stored fat for energy.
Pronunciation: IN se lin
Common Misspellings: inselin
Examples: In Type 1 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin, and it must be taken by injection.
