Final answer:
Insulin allows glucose to enter cells, helping to lower blood glucose levels and maintain homeostasis. It promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen and inhibits gluconeogenesis, playing a key role in glucose metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Insulin acts in the body primarily by letting glucose into cells. When blood glucose levels rise, insulin is secreted by the pancreas and it stimulates cells throughout the body to absorb glucose. This hormone plays a pivotal role in reducing blood glucose levels back to homeostasis. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by liver, fat, and muscle cells, where it can be stored as glycogen or used for energy. Insulin also inhibits the liver from breaking down stored glycogen into glucose, and stimulates the conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
Moreover, insulin is important for regulating glucose metabolism as it promotes glycolysis and inhibits both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. Through these actions, insulin is crucial in ensuring cells have adequate energy sources and in maintaining overall blood glucose balance.