blood glucose control key terms

• pancreas

  • the gland that monitors and controls blood glucose concentration
• insulin

  • a hormone produced when blood glucose concentration is too high.
  • causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells.
  • in liver and muscle cells excess glucose is converted to glycogen
• glucagon

  • a hormone produced when blood glucose concentration is too low.
  • causes glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood
• glycogen

  • a storage molecule made from many glucose molecules bonded together.
  • found in liver and muscle cells
• type 1 diabetes

  • disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.
  • causes uncontrolled high blood glucose levels
  • treated with insulin injections\
• type 2 diabetes

  • body cells no longer respond to insulin produced by the pancreas
  • a carbohydrate controlled diet and exercise are common treatments
  • obesity is a risk factor