Blood Glucose regulation Flashcards
(16 cards)
Why is glucose important for cells?
Glucose is broken down to form ATP in cellular respiration and it provides an energy source for all cellular reactions
What is one problem that would occur is glucose was stored in the body as glucose?
Glucose is soluble in water therefore it would cause problems as fluid from outside cells would enter via osmosis, causing them to burst.
Name the polymer and the location of stored glucose
Glycogen is stored in liver and skeletal muscle.
The pancreas contains Islets of Langerhans. Within this endocrine tissue, two key cells that are responsible for the regulation of BGL are..
Insulin produced by Beta cells
Glucagon produced by Alpha cells
What organ do these hormones (alpha and beta) act on
Mostly the liver
Action of beta cells
Eating increases glucose in blood. → Blood glucose level → Beta cells in pancreas have glucose receptors. → Beta cells produce and release insulin into the blood when above set point. →Glucose stored as glycogen in liver and muscle cells. or increase glucose uptake into fat and muscle cells. → blood glucose levels return to normal
What is the stimulus, receptor and effector?
Stimulus → Eating increases glucose in blood
Receptor → Beta cells of Pancreas
Effector → Beta cells produce insulin
two key responses act to lower blood glucose levels
Response 1 → insulin release to allow absorption of glucose into cells
Response 2 → insulin release to allow the liver to convert glucose into glycogen
Given cells need glucose, explain why fatigue may result as a symptom of diabetes?
As insulin producing beta cells are attacked in type 1 diabetes, this reduces the ability for insulin production. Insulin is required for glucose to enter cells. As glucose cannot enter cells fatigue results.
Define diabetes
Diabetes is an inability of the body to control blood glucose levels
What is type 1 and type 2 diabetes, what are there differences?
Type 1 is a result of an autoimmune disorder that destroys beta cells in the islets of Langerhans.
Type 2 is when the body becomes resistant to the affects of insulin and is unable to produce enough insulin.
What cells are killed in type one diabetes
Beta cells
What treatment is normally recommended for those with type 1 diabetes?
Insulin needles after eating a meal
Diabetics need to manage blood sugar levels. Describe one situation that may lead to hypoglycaemia
too much insulin injected would lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
What are ketones? Are they harmful if glucose levels are high/low?
Ketones are present in the blood when the body break down fats for fuel rather than glucose. In low levels ketones are not harmful, but when high they are dangerous
Why do ketones may be present in those paitents with type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t make insulin, so it can’t use glucose for energy. Instead, it starts breaking down fat for fuel, which produces ketones. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of ketones in the blood, called ketoacidosis.
The liver plays a key role in blood glucose regulation and also digestion. Describe one way the liver assists with digestion and identify whether this is mechanical or chemical digestion
Liver produces bile that is then stored in the gall bladder that helps to break down fats during digestion. This is part of chemical digestion.
