Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the beta cells of the islands of Langerhans in the pancreas, in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.

Insulin acts to regulate the metabolism of glucose and the process necessary for the intermediary metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels and promotes transport and entry of glucose into muscle cells and other tissues.

Inadequate secretion of insulin results in hyperglycemia (high...