How are blood sugar levels maintained? Flashcards
Start from hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, include negative feedback system.
Role of Insulin & Glucagon
- insulin and Glucagon are the two main hormones that primarily maintain blood.
- These hormones are produced by the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach
High Blood Sugar levels (Hyperglycaemia)
- After eating blood sugars tend to rise, in response to this the pancreas releases the hormone insulin into the blood.
- insulin helps lower the blood sugar levels, by promoting the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells, where it is then stored as glycogen
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
- Blood sugar levels may decrease between meals or during increased physical activity.
- In this case, the pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream.
- Glucagon signals the liver to break down stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the blood, increasing blood sugar levels.
Example of Negative Feedback Mechanism
When you eat a meal, your blood sugar levels rise. In response to this increase, the pancreas secretes insulin to lower blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake into cells.
As blood sugar levels decrease due to the action of insulin, the pancreas reduces insulin secretion, preventing blood sugar from dropping too low.
On the other hand, when you are between meals or during physical activity, blood sugar levels may decrease. The pancreas releases glucagon, signalling the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels back to normal.
Once blood sugar levels are restored, the pancreas decreases glucagon production.
Negative Feedback Loop Conclusion
By continuously monitoring and adjusting insulin and glucagon levels, the body maintains stable blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This negative feedback loop ensures that cells receive the necessary glucose for energy production while preventing excessively high or low blood sugar levels, which could harm the body’s functioning.
