It is important for your body to maintain a steady level of blood sugar. This level is kept steady by
3 answers
the hormone insulin. Insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake and storage of glucose into cells. When blood sugar levels rise, such as after a meal, insulin stimulates the cells to take up glucose from the blood, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. On the other hand, when blood sugar levels drop, the pancreas releases glucagon, another hormone that raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose and promoting its release into the bloodstream. Together, insulin and glucagon work to maintain a stable blood sugar level within a narrow range to ensure proper functioning of bodily processes.
Insulin and glucagon
Insulin and glucagon are both hormones produced and released by the pancreas, but they have opposite effects on blood sugar levels.
Insulin: Insulin is released in response to high blood sugar levels after a meal. Its primary function is to lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake and storage of glucose in cells. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, especially in muscle, fat, and liver cells. It promotes the conversion of glucose into glycogen (a stored form of glucose) in the liver and muscles, and it also inhibits the breakdown of stored glycogen and the production of new glucose by the liver. This overall action of insulin helps to regulate and lower blood sugar levels.
Glucagon: On the other hand, glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low, such as between meals or during fasting. Its main role is to raise blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis. Glucagon also promotes the production of new glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis in the liver. These actions of glucagon release glucose into the bloodstream, thereby increasing blood sugar levels.
Together, insulin and glucagon work in a delicate balance to regulate blood sugar levels and maintain stability. They ensure that the body has a constant supply of energy (glucose) to meet its needs while avoiding excessively high or low blood sugar levels, which can be detrimental to overall health.
Insulin: Insulin is released in response to high blood sugar levels after a meal. Its primary function is to lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake and storage of glucose in cells. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, especially in muscle, fat, and liver cells. It promotes the conversion of glucose into glycogen (a stored form of glucose) in the liver and muscles, and it also inhibits the breakdown of stored glycogen and the production of new glucose by the liver. This overall action of insulin helps to regulate and lower blood sugar levels.
Glucagon: On the other hand, glucagon is released when blood sugar levels are low, such as between meals or during fasting. Its main role is to raise blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose through a process called glycogenolysis. Glucagon also promotes the production of new glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis in the liver. These actions of glucagon release glucose into the bloodstream, thereby increasing blood sugar levels.
Together, insulin and glucagon work in a delicate balance to regulate blood sugar levels and maintain stability. They ensure that the body has a constant supply of energy (glucose) to meet its needs while avoiding excessively high or low blood sugar levels, which can be detrimental to overall health.
1 answer