Control of Blood Glucose Concentration

• What hormone is used to control blood glucose concentration?

  Insulin
• Why is it important to keep blood glucose concentration as constant as possible?

  To ensure cells can release energy through respiration
• What is the role of the pancreas in blood glucose regulation?

  • Monitors blood glucose concentration
  • Produces insulin when glucose levels rise
  • Produces glucagon when glucose levels fall
• What happens to blood glucose concentration after a carbohydrate-rich meal?

  It rises.
• How does insulin affect blood glucose levels?

  It causes body cells to take up glucose and stores excess glucose as glycogen.
• What is the storage molecule for excess glucose?

  Glycogen
• What are the two types of diabetes and how do they differ?

  • Type 1 Diabetes: Pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Body cells stop responding to insulin.
• How do people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition?

  By monitoring blood glucose and injecting insulin as needed.
• What is a common treatment for type 2 diabetes?

  A controlled carbohydrate diet and exercise.
• What is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes?

  Obesity
• What hormone is released when blood glucose concentration falls?

  Glucagon
• What effect does glucagon have on blood glucose levels?

  It raises blood glucose levels by converting glycogen to glucose.
• How do insulin and glucagon work together in blood glucose regulation?

  • Insulin lowers blood glucose levels when they rise.
  • Glucagon raises blood glucose levels when they fall.
  • They form a negative feedback cycle to maintain homeostasis.
• What is the term used to describe the relationship between insulin and glucagon in blood glucose regulation?

  Negative feedback cycle