What process does insulin promote in the body?

Insulin plays a crucial role in carbohydrate metabolism by promoting glycolysis, which is the process of converting glucose into pyruvate to generate energy. After a meal, when blood glucose levels rise, insulin is secreted by the pancreas. This hormone facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, particularly in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.

In muscle and liver cells, insulin stimulates key enzymes that foster glycolysis, enabling the conversion of glucose to pyruvate, which can then enter the citric acid cycle for further energy production. This process not only helps reduce blood glucose levels but also supports the body's energy needs.

Furthermore, insulin promotes the storage of glucose by converting it into glycogen (a process known as glycogenesis), and it also inhibits processes that would release glucose into the bloodstream, such as gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. In contrast, ketogenesis—which occurs in the liver during prolonged fasting or carbohydrate restriction—is inhibited by insulin. This reflects insulin's primary role in promoting an anabolic state after feeding, facilitating energy storage and utilization.