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Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that allows sugar (glucose) to enter body cells, where it is used for energy. It also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells where it can be released and used for energy when needed.

Diabetes develops if the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin properly.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology
Last Revised September 14, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 14, 2010
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