Final answer:
In a healthy person, approximately 50% of the body's total daily insulin secretion is released basally to maintain blood glucose levels, particularly during fasting periods. Insulin and glucagon work together to maintain glucose homeostasis, and insulin resistance is a key factor in type 2 diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a healthy person, approximately 50% of the body's total daily physiologic insulin secretion is released basally. Insulin is a critical hormone for maintaining blood glucose levels within the normal range, typically between 70 to 110 mg/dL. The basal insulin release is a constant supply that maintains blood glucose levels in the absence of food intake, contrasting with bolus insulin which is released in response to food consumption. This basal release represents about half of the daily insulin secretion, while the remainder is released in response to food intake to control postprandial (after meal) blood sugar spikes.
Insulin and glucagon are the two primary hormones responsible for the homeostasis of blood glucose levels. The beta cells of the pancreatic islets are primarily responsible for insulin production. In the context of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for approximately 95% of all cases, the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin and the pancreas may eventually increase insulin secretion to compensate.