What is insulin?

What is insulin?

What is insulin?

General information

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. It is a key hormone regulating glucose metabolism and is also involved in protein synthesis and triglyceride storage.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is caused by insulin deficiency due to the destruction of insulin-producing islet (beta) cells of the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) is characterized by insulin resistance.
Insulin levels may be elevated in patients with pancreatic beta cell tumors (insulinomas).
An increase in the concentration of insulin in the blood is called hyperinsulinemia. In this case, the glucose content in the blood drops sharply, which can lead to hypoglycemic coma and even death, since brain activity directly depends on the concentration of glucose. Therefore, it is very important to monitor glucose levels during parenteral administration of insulin and other drugs used to treat diabetes.

What is insulin?

When are they prescribed?

Symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia): sweating, rapid heartbeat, constant hunger, confusion, blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, heart attack.
To diagnose insulinomas (pancreatic tumors) and to determine the cause of acute or chronic hypoglycemia (in combination with glucose and C-peptide measurements).
To monitor the level of endogenous insulin synthesized by beta cells.
To detect insulin resistance.
To determine when people with type 2 diabetes should start taking insulin or hypoglycemic drugs.

Patient Preparation

1. Do not eat for 8 hours before collecting the sample.
2. Do not take multivitamins or supplements containing biotin (vitamin B7), which is commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements and multivitamins, for 12 hours before collecting the sample.

Sampling

Venous blood

Response deadline

Same day

Knee Joint Pain
03 November 2025
The knee joint is subjected to heavy daily stress. It is a fairly large joint, surrounded inside and outside by ligaments and tendons that ensure its stability. In fact, the articular cartilage itself has no nerve supply. With age, as cartilage wears down and body weight increases, the strain on the ligamentous apparatus also increases, leading to inflammation and destructive joint processes. At this stage, the patient feels pain in the knee joint. According to global statistics, every 10th person over the age of 55 suffers from gonarthritis, and one in four of them becomes disabled and requires knee joint endoprosthesis surgery. Causes of knee pain: • Osteoarthritis, mainly caused by cartilage wear, • Arthritis or joint inflammation, which can occur in rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, septic or infectious arthritis, periodic disease, gout, and other inflammatory joint conditions, • Excess weight or obesity, which increases the load on the knees, • Vitamin D deficiency, • Impaired blood circulation in the lower limbs, for example due to varicose veins, pronounced lymphostasis, or obliterating arterial diseases of the legs, • Certain types of anemia, • Excessive physical exertion. When to see a doctor: • if the pain is persistent and gradually worsening, with only temporary relief from painkillers, • if there is redness and localized warmth, • if movement in the knees becomes difficult, especially when climbing up or down stairs, • if a cracking or grinding sound (known as crepitus) is heard or felt in the knees, • if there has been a wound or insect bite on the skin over the knee, followed by inflammation with redness and warmth. Patients with gonarthritis (inflammation of the knee joint) may also have anemia. This may be a manifestation of the main disease or, in some cases, anemia itself may provoke joint inflammation. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests may show anemia, thrombocytosis, and elevated ESR — indicators of disease activity. In such cases, it is not necessary to treat anemia with iron supplements; rather, proper anti-inflammatory therapy to control disease activity and flare-ups is sufficient, and laboratory markers will normalize on their own. Anemia during inflammatory joint diseases may also be caused by prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, aertal, or indomethacin, which can lead to gastritis or peptic ulcers. One possible manifestation of these complications is anemia. Knee pain can also be occupational. For example, knee injuries are very common among football players, since football involves fast running, sudden stops and turns, jumping, and kicking. Players may stretch or tear cruciate ligaments, damage the menisci, dislocate the kneecap, or develop inflammation or muscle strain. A deficiency of vitamin D and magnesium can also cause knee and muscle pain. It is particularly important to replenish magnesium deficiency, as all enzymes involved in vitamin D metabolism require magnesium as a cofactor. Even when magnesium levels in bone tissue decrease, its concentration in the blood may remain within the normal range — this is known as chronic latent magnesium deficiency.
Subacute Thyroiditis or De Quervain’s Thyroiditis
31 October 2025
Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory disease of the thyroid gland. Women are affected much more often than men. It usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Causes The disease may develop after viral infections such as coxsackie virus, influenza, or adenoviral infections. General Symptoms • Fatigue • Weakness • Headache • Muscle pain • Joint pain Stages of the Disease Subacute thyroiditis generally progresses through three stages. Stage 1 – Hyperthyroidism During this phase, the following symptoms are observed: • Palpitations • Weight loss • Nervousness • Tremor • Enlargement of the thyroid gland • Pain in the thyroid area radiating to the neck, occiput, ears, or lower jaw • Sometimes difficulty swallowing • Enlargement of lymph nodes • Fever Over time, hyperthyroidism is replaced by the second (euthyroid) stage, during which the clinical symptoms subside. A third (hypothyroid) stage may also occur, which is usually temporary. The course of the disease lasts from several weeks to a few months. Diagnosis Diagnosis includes: • Laboratory tests – complete blood count, C-reactive protein level, and thyroid hormone tests. • Thyroid ultrasound (US) – the gland appears heterogeneous and hypoechoic. • Thyroid scintigraphy – damaged areas may appear as “cold nodules.” • Fine-needle aspiration biopsy – performed for histological examination. Treatment Subacute thyroiditis usually resolves spontaneously within up to 12 months. • For mild pain symptoms, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. • In more severe cases, glucocorticoids are prescribed and must be taken only according to a medical regimen. • During the hyperthyroid phase, beta-adrenergic blockers are indicated. • In the hypothyroid phase, replacement therapy with thyroid hormones is rarely necessary. Conclusion The course of the disease is generally favorable. Only in 2–5% of cases can persistent hypothyroidism develop. If such symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist at Dalimed Medical Center.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
29 October 2025
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), or corticotropin, is a peptide hormone composed of 39 amino acids. It is produced in the anterior pituitary gland as part of the precursor molecule proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Through tissue cleavage, ACTH and several other related peptides are formed. ACTH stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids (especially cortisol) by the adrenal cortex. The production of glucocorticoids is regulated by various factors. After stimulation (for example, by physical activity or internal biological mechanisms), the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH, corticoliberin). CRH acts on the pituitary gland, which in turn synthesizes and secretes ACTH. ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to secrete glucocorticoids. Elevated glucocorticoid concentrations in the blood inhibit the synthesis of CRH and ACTH through negative feedback. Clinical significance of ACTH testing 1) Measuring ACTH levels in plasma helps assess adrenal and pituitary function in cases of cortisol production disorders. 2) A high ACTH level with high cortisol suggests Cushing’s disease (an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma). 3) A high ACTH level with low cortisol suggests primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease). 4) A low or normal ACTH level with low cortisol suggests secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction. ACTH that is not produced by the pituitary gland is known as ectopic ACTH. This condition is often associated with small-cell lung carcinoma. In rare cases, ectopic ACTH may arise from thymic tumors, pancreatic adenocarcinomas, or bronchial tumors. These tumors often secrete ACTH precursors (POMC and pro-ACTH).
What Is Biorevitalization?
27 October 2025
Biorevitalization is a modern and highly effective method of deep skin hydration and rejuvenation. During the procedure, microinjections of hyaluronic acid are delivered into the dermis (the middle skin layer). This activates natural cell renewal, stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves microcirculation, and restores the skin’s firmness, freshness, and glow. No cream can provide the same deep moisturizing and restorative effect as biorevitalization — that’s why it’s often called the “injection of youth”.How the Procedure Works Before the session, the skin is thoroughly cleansed, and a topical anesthetic may be applied if needed. Then, the doctor injects hyaluronic acid using an ultra-fine needle. Small papules (tiny bumps) may appear after treatment, disappearing within 2–4 days. The procedure takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on the treated area (face, neck, décolleté, hands, knees, etc.). When to Expect Results Visible improvements can be seen within a few days — the skin becomes smoother, more hydrated, and radiant. With each session, the effect builds up: fine lines are reduced, the skin tightens and looks fresher and younger. After a full course, your body starts producing its own hyaluronic acid, and the results last for six months or longer. Who Can Benefit Ages 25–35: Prevents early signs of aging and dryness. Ages 40+: Improves elasticity, combats sagging, and evens skin tone. Ages 50+: Reduces deep wrinkles, restores firmness, and reverses sun damage. Also beneficial for tired or stressed skin, after sun exposure, or following laser and peeling treatments. What Issues It Solves • Fine and deep wrinkles • Dryness and dullness • Loss of firmness and tone • Hyperpigmentation and sun spots • Acne, enlarged pores, uneven texture • Scars and stretch marks Can It Be Combined with Other Treatments? Absolutely! Biorevitalization pairs perfectly with botulinum therapy, chemical peels, laser rejuvenation, and other aesthetic treatments for enhanced results. Safety and Comfort The procedure is completely safe, performed by qualified cosmetic doctors, and suitable for all skin types all year round. At Dalimed medical center, biorevitalization is performed by certified specialists using advanced products and personalized protocols tailored to your skin’s needs. Our doctors will design the ideal rejuvenation plan based on your age, skin condition, and desired outcome.Give your skin health, radiance, and youth — book your biorevitalization session at Dalimed today!

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