regulating blood glucose

• blood glucose concentration

  normal blood concentration is 4-6 mmol dm-3

  • if a person’s blood glucose concentration is allowed to drop below 4 + remain too low for long periods the person is said to be hypoglacaemic

  → main problem caused by hypoglycaemia is inadequate delivery of glucose to body tissues and especially the brain leading to seizure and confusion

  • if a person’s blood glucose concentration is allowed to rise too high + remain too high for too long periods the person is said to be hyperglycaemic

  →diagnosed as diabetes mellitus
• blood glucose concentration 2

  • cells in islets of Langerhans constantly monitor the concentration of glucose in blood

  →if concentration is high or low of glucose from acceptable concentration then the alpha + beta cells in the islets of Langerhans detect the change + respond by releasing the relevant hormone: insulin if blood glucose is high, and glucagon if it is too low

  • these hormones act on cells in the liver (hepatocytes) which can store glucose and break down glycogen into glucose