1. After digesting a meal the elevated blood glucose provides a signal to the pancreas to produce insulin.

 

2. Insulin is secreted by the pancreas into the bloodstream and circulates around the body.

 

3 & 4. Insulin binds to the receptor and activates 2nd messengers which increase absorption of glucose and its conversion to long-term energy stores (glycogen or fat).

 

5. The resultant lowering of blood glucose acts as a shut-off signal to the pancreas, preventing further production and release of insulin until blood glucose rises again.

 

6. There is no linkage in this state between the glucose-insulin system and androgen production and regulation.

 

In PCOS, the lack of an essential metabolite drives up insulin production, causing many of the typical symptoms – click here to see how