Control of Blood Glucose

• Why does the body need to control blood glucose levels?

  • Too much glucose – Can damage cells by osmosis, leading to dehydration.
  • Too little glucose – Cells won’t have enough energy for respiration, causing tiredness and organ failure

  Blood sugar is regulated by the pancreas using two key hormones:

  • Insulin which lowers blood sugar
  • Glucagon which raises blood sugar
• What are the two main hormones involved in blood glucose regulation?

  • Insulin- Lowers blood sugar by helping glucose move into body cells and be stored as glycogen.
  • Glucagon, raises blood sugar by breaking down glycogen into glucose in the liver.

  Both hormones are produced by the pancreas and work together to maintain a stable blood glucose level.
• What happens when blood sugar levels rise (e.g., after eating)?

  • Pancreas detects high glucose levels.
  • Insulin is released into the bloodstream.
  • Body cells absorb glucose for respiration.
  • Liver and muscle cells store excess glucose as glycogen.
  • Blood sugar returns to normal levels.

  💡 Example: After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates (e.g., pasta or bread), insulin ensures glucose levels don’t stay too high.
• What happens when blood sugar levels drop (e.g., after exercise or fasting)?

  • Pancreas detects low glucose levels.
  • Glucagon is released into the bloodstream.
  • Liver breaks down glycogen into glucose and releases it into the blood.
  • Blood sugar returns to normal levels.

  💡 Example: If you haven’t eaten for several hours, glucagon prevents your blood sugar from dropping too low.
• How does negative feedback regulate blood glucose?

  Negative feedback maintains a stable internal environment.

  • If blood sugar is too high, insulin is released to lower it.
  • If blood sugar is too low, glucagon is released to raise it.
  • This constant balancing act prevents extreme blood sugar changes.

  💡 Example: The body works like a thermostat – adjusting glucose levels automatically, similar to temperature control.
• What causes Type 1 diabetes, and how is it treated?

  Cause: The pancreas does not produce insulin, so blood sugar levels remain high.

  Symptoms: Increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, fatigue.

  Treatment:

  • Insulin injections before meals to control glucose levels.
  • Carefully controlled diet to balance carbohydrate intake.

  💡 Example: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells.
• What causes Type 2 diabetes, and how is it treated?

  Cause: The body’s cells stop responding to insulin (insulin resistance). Often linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise.Symptoms: Tiredness, blurred vision, slow healing wounds.Treatment:

  • Healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Medication to improve insulin response (e.g., Metformin).

  💡 Example: Type 2 diabetes is more common in older adults but is increasing in young people due to poor lifestyle choices.
• What is the main cause of Type 1 diabetes?

  The pancreas does not produce insulin
• What is the main cause of Type 2 diabetes?

  The body’s cells stop responding to insulin
• How does Type 1 diabetes differ from Type 2 diabetes in terms of lifestyle factors?

  Type 1 is not linked to lifestyle; Type 2 is
• What is the main risk factor for Type 1 diabetes?

  Caused by an autoimmune disorder
• What are the main risk factors for Type 2 diabetes?

  Linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise
• At what age does Type 1 diabetes usually develop?

  In childhood or adolescence
• At what age does Type 2 diabetes usually develop?

  Usually develops in adulthood
• How is the age of onset for Type 2 diabetes changing?

  It is increasing in younger people
• What treatment is required for Type 1 diabetes?

  Insulin injections to control blood sugar
• How is Type 2 diabetes managed?

  With diet, exercise, and medication
• Can Type 1 diabetes be reversed?

  No, the pancreas is permanently damaged
• Can Type 2 diabetes be reversed?

  Yes, through lifestyle changes