Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. It was first isolated in 1921 and its structure was determined in the 1950s. Insulin is composed of two peptide chains, the A and B chains, linked by disulfide bonds. Insulin is synthesized as preproinsulin and processed to its active form upon secretion from pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates glucose and amino acid uptake into cells and promotes glycogen, lipid, and protein synthesis while inhibiting gluconeogenesis and lipolysis. It is now produced recombinantly using genetic engineering.