B3.12 Regulating glucose

• What hormones control blood glucose concentration?

  Insulin and glucagon
• What does blood glucose concentration refer to?

  The amount of sugar in the bloodstream
• Why do we need a decent amount of sugar in our blood?

  To provide a constant supply of glucose for respiration
• The terms 'blood glucose levels' or 'blood glucose concentration' just refer to how much glucose is dissolved in our blood plasma. 

  So a high blood glucose concentration means that there are lots of glucose molecules dissolved in the blood. 
• What happens if blood glucose concentration gets too high?

  It can start to damage our tissues
• What occurs when a person eats a large meal with carbohydrates?

  Blood glucose concentration increases
• How does the pancreas respond to increased blood glucose levels?

  It releases insulin into the bloodstream
• What is the role of insulin in blood glucose regulation?

  It tells cells to take in glucose
• Which cells are most important for taking up glucose?

  Liver and muscle cells
• What is glycogen?

  A long-term storage form of glucose
• What happens to blood glucose concentration after insulin is released?

  It decreases back to normal levels
• What hormone is released when blood glucose levels drop too low?

  Glucagon
• How does glucagon affect blood glucose levels?

  It increases blood glucose concentration
• What does glucagon do in the liver when blood glucose is low?

  It breaks down glycogen into glucose
• What is the relationship between insulin and glucagon?

  They create a negative feedback loop
• What happens when blood glucose levels are too high?

  Insulin is released to lower glucose
• What happens when blood glucose levels are too low?

  Glucagon is released to raise glucose
• Why do blood glucose levels fluctuate rather than remain constant?

  Insulin and glucagon are constantly released
• What happens if blood glucose concentrations fall too low? 

  There won't be enough glucose for tissue cells to respire
• What is the effect of skipping breakfast on blood glucose levels?

  It can cause blood glucose to drop
• What is the pancreas's role in blood glucose regulation?

  It detects glucose levels and releases hormones
• How do insulin and glucagon work together?

  They regulate blood glucose in opposite ways
• What is the consequence of high blood glucose concentration?

  It can damage tissues
• What happens to glucose after a carbohydrate-rich meal?

  It is absorbed into the bloodstream
• What is the function of the pancreas in relation to blood glucose?

  It releases insulin and glucagon
• What is the significance of a negative feedback loop in blood glucose regulation?

  It maintains glucose levels within a normal range
• What is the primary role of insulin in the body?

  To lower blood glucose levels
• What is the primary role of glucagon in the body?

  To raise blood glucose levels
• How does the body respond to a drop in blood glucose levels?

  The pancreas secretes glucagon
• What is the effect of insulin on liver and muscle cells?

  It prompts them to take in glucose
• What happens to glucose levels after insulin binds to its receptors?

  Glucose is taken up by the cells
• What is the relationship between glycogen and glucose?

  Glycogen is made of glucose molecules
• What happens to blood glucose levels after glucagon is released?

  They increase back to normal levels
• How does the body maintain blood glucose levels?

  By releasing insulin and glucagon as needed
• What is the effect of a carbohydrate-rich meal on blood glucose levels?

  It causes a spike in glucose levels
• What is the role of the pancreas in detecting blood glucose levels?

  It senses changes and releases hormones
• What is the significance of fluctuating blood glucose levels?

  It indicates the body's response to food intake
• What happens to glucose after it is absorbed into the bloodstream?

  It is used for respiration or stored
• What is the consequence of not eating breakfast on blood glucose levels?

  It can lead to low blood glucose levels
• How does the body respond to high blood glucose levels?

  Insulin is released to lower glucose