Colorado CNA Practice Exam

The function of insulin is to:

1. Assist in the digestion of proteins

2. Regulate the amount of glucose available to the cells for metabolism

3. Stimulate the growth of muscle tissue

4. Transport oxygen in the blood

The correct answer is: Regulate the amount of glucose available to the cells for metabolism

The function of insulin is primarily to regulate the amount of glucose available to the cells for metabolism. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels. When you consume food, particularly carbohydrate-rich foods, glucose levels in the bloodstream rise. Insulin helps cells absorb this glucose, allowing them to use it for energy or store it for later use. This regulation is vital for maintaining overall energy balance in the body and preventing conditions such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The other choices do not describe insulin’s primary role. Insulin does not assist in protein digestion, stimulate muscle growth directly, or transport oxygen in the blood, as those functions are managed by other processes and substances in the body.