The insulin signaling pathway is a series of biochemical events that occur when insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, binds to its receptor on the surface of cells. This binding activates the receptor, which then triggers a cascade of reactions inside the cell. These reactions help regulate glucose uptake, fat storage, and protein synthesis, allowing the body to maintain energy balance. When insulin binds to its receptor, it activates a protein called IRS (insulin receptor substrate). This leads to the activation of other proteins, including PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and AKT (also known as protein kinase B). Ultimately, these proteins help transport glucose into cells, promoting energy production and storage.