Insulin Insulin Insulin (from Latin "insula", island) is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets; it is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein by promoting the absorption of carbohydrates, especially glucose from the blood into liver, fat and skeletal muscle cells. In these tissues the absorbed glucose is converted into either glycogen via glycogenesis or fats (triglycerides) via lipogenesis, or, in the case of the liver, into both. Glucose production and secretion by the liver is strongly inhibited by high concentrations of insulin in
Insulin resistance the likelihood of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Also, insulin resistance often is associated with a hypercoagulable state (impaired fibrinolysis) and increased inflammatory cytokine levels. Another factor that may promote insulin resistance is Leptin, a hormone produced from the ob gene and adipocytes. Its physiological role is to regulate hunger by alerting the body when it is full. From an adaptation perspective, it is possible that leptin resistance was favorable for survival during periods when food was scarce. Today however studies show that lack of leptin causes severe obesity and is strongly linked with insulin resistance. Leptin replacement in mice with