What Is Insulin, How It Works, & Tips for Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
The emergence of diabetes, a health disorder and the third leading cause of death in Indonesia,[1] is closely linked to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance in the body. The question is, what is insulin and how does it work?
Are there steps to maintain insulin effectiveness so that blood sugar levels remain stable and the risk of diabetes can be reduced? Find out more here!
What Is Insulin and What Does It Do?

Insulin is basically a polypeptide hormone secreted by beta cells in the pancreas.
If asked, what is insulin made of? This hormone is made of 51 amino acids and acts like a "traffic controller" for glucose in the body, while also helping to support cell growth and regulate metabolic processes.
This hormone does not work alone, but works together with glucagon, which raises blood sugar, so that blood sugar levels remain balanced—neither too high nor too low.[2]
As you know, high blood sugar can trigger hyperglycemia and diabetes. Meanwhile, low blood sugar can cause hypoglycemia, making you feel easily tired, dizzy, and unable to concentrate. Therefore, the presence and effectiveness of insulin cannot be underestimated.
How Insulin Works

After you eat potatoes, rice, or other foods containing carbohydrates or sugar, your body begins to digest the food and convert it into glucose.
The glucose is then absorbed into the bloodstream, causing an increase in blood sugar when you check it with a glucometer. This increase prompts the pancreas to release insulin, which then helps the body use the glucose so it does not build up in the blood.
Insulin "tells" tissues such as skeletal muscle and fat to absorb glucose from the blood, storing it as glycogen in the liver, muscles, and fat, while also helping to form new fat as an energy reserve.[3]
What Happens When Insulin Is Too High or Too Low?

The side effect of insulin levels that are too high, or hyperinsulinemia, can cause blood sugar to drop too low. As a result, you may feel weak, easily tired, and even risk fainting suddenly.
On the other hand, low insulin levels will cause glucose to build up in the blood, triggering hyperglycemia.
If it worsens, this condition can develop into diabetic ketoacidosis, where the body uses more fat for energy, leading to a buildup of ketones and sugar in the blood.
The Relationship Between Insulin and Diabetes

A continuous buildup of sugar in the blood is the main cause of diabetes. Since insulin controls sugar, its presence significantly affects the development of diabetes in the body.
A lack of insulin can trigger type 1 diabetes, while insulin resistance (when body cells do not respond to insulin) can cause type 2 diabetes.
Tips for Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels and Avoiding Insulin Resistance

Maintaining blood sugar levels and insulin effectiveness is an important step for long-term health. Here are some tips you can follow:
1. Be Selective About the Foods You Eat
Try to avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, as well as ultra-processed foods. Your body processes these foods into glucose, which triggers a blood sugar spike. If you continue to consume them, your body may begin to lose its sensitivity to insulin.
2. Exercise Regularly
Exercise not only makes your body healthier but also increases its sensitivity to insulin. Aim for 150 minutes of light exercise per week or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week.
If your mornings are busy, don't worry—the afternoon is actually a more effective time to increase your body's sensitivity to insulin.[4]
3. Maintain a Healthy Sleep Schedule
Waking up frequently in the middle of the night and staying up late can make it difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar properly. In addition, chronic sleep deprivation—for about 4 to 5 consecutive days—can reduce insulin sensitivity by 25% to 30%.[5]
Therefore, make sure you get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day. Choose a comfortable pillow or mattress and adjust the room temperature to make your sleep more comfortable. You can also drink warm Sido Muncul Susu Jahe to help you sleep more soundly and relax.
About Sido Muncul Susu Jahe

Sido Muncul Susu Jahe offers the unique delight of milk with the sweetness of palm sugar and the warmth of ginger. This product will help you feel more relaxed and warm, so you can sleep more soundly.
Ingredients
- Ginger extract
- Non-dairy creamer
- Palm sugar
- Milk powder
- Sugar
Directions
To enjoy its warmth, dissolve one packet of Sido Muncul Susu Jahe in a cup of 175 cc hot water, then stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Side Effects
Allergic reactions may occur in individuals who are allergic to ingredients such as ginger, creamer, or milk.
That concludes our brief discussion on what insulin is. Let's start living a healthy lifestyle by monitoring your blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. Choose healthy foods and enjoy a glass of Sido Muncul Susu Jahe for a better night's sleep, and make sure your insulin sensitivity remains optimal!
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