Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and facilitates the conversion of food into energy. It also helps store sugar which is released when blood sugar levels are low or more energy is needed, like when exercising or hungry. Problems arise when the pancreas isn't releasing insulin the way it should be. When there is too much insulin then the blood sugar levels can be too low and can result in hypoglycemia. When there is not enough insulin then diabetes can occur. The ingestion or injection of insulin can be a treatment for diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood while Type 2 diabetes develops later in life.