Which hormone regulates blood glucose levels in the body and how is it synthesized artificially ?
In short
Insulin, secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake and glycogenesis. It is synthesised artificially through recombinant DNA technology, by inserting the human insulin gene into Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which ended reliance on animal insulin.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 270 words
Regulatory Oversight
CDSCO and NPPA regulate insulin quality and pricing to ensure safety and affordability, addressing challenges of counterfeit and substandard products in India’s pharmaceutical market.
Biotech Research
Sri Venkateswara University and state biotech institutions in Andhra Pradesh drive insulin analogue development aligned with the BioE3 Policy1 and Bio-RIDE scheme, fostering indigenous production and innovation in biopharmaceuticals.
Technical Complexity
Insulin is produced via recombinant DNA technology in genetically engineered microbes like Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, requiring sophisticated bioreactors and purification to ensure bioequivalence and safety.
Access Barriers
High production costs, cold chain logistics, and limited healthcare infrastructure restrict insulin availability in rural Andhra Pradesh despite Jan Aushadhi scheme support, impacting consistent treatment adherence.
Innovation and Partnerships
Development of rapid- and long-acting insulin analogues and public-private partnerships in Andhra Pradesh enhance affordability and distribution, supported by digital health platforms improving patient monitoring.
Strengthening Systems
Expanding regulatory frameworks against counterfeit drugs and scaling indigenous R&D in Andhra Pradesh’s biotech clusters are critical, alongside capacity building for healthcare workers to improve insulin administration and diabetes education.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.