What is the primary function of insulin in diabetic patients?

The primary function of insulin in diabetic patients is to reduce blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. Under normal circumstances, when blood glucose levels rise after eating, the pancreas releases insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, particularly in muscle and adipose (fat) tissues. This action helps lower the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream.

In diabetic patients, the body's ability to produce or utilize insulin may be impaired, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Thus, administering insulin to these patients helps correct this imbalance, effectively lowering their blood glucose levels to a more normal range. This makes insulin crucial for managing diabetes, particularly in individuals with type 1 diabetes who do not produce insulin and in type 2 diabetes when the body does not respond adequately to insulin.