Explanation

Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of glucose in your blood. It's made by your pancreas shortly after you eat.

Insulin opens a cap on your body's cells to let glucose in, just like a petrol station attendant! It also tells your liver to store glucose, so that there is enough fuel to keep your body going between meals. If you have diabetes, you may have to top up your body's insulin levels with insulin injections.

If you have too much insulin in your bloodstream, you will have hypoglycaemia (a 'hypo'). Too little insulin in your bloodstream, and you will have hyperglycaemia.