Control of blood glucose concentration

• What must be kept constant in blood glucose regulation?

  Concentration of glucose
• Why is it important to maintain blood glucose levels?

  To ensure cells receive energy for respiration
• What can happen if blood glucose levels are too high?

  It can cause damage to cells
• What happens if blood glucose levels are too low?

  Cells lack energy to function
• Which system controls blood glucose levels?

  The endocrine system
• Which organ regulates blood glucose levels?

  The pancreas
• What are the two key hormones involved in glucose regulation?

  Insulin and glucagon
• What is the role of insulin?

  It lowers blood glucose levels
• What is the role of glucagon?

  It raises blood glucose levels
• Where are insulin and glucagon released from?

  Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
• What happens to blood glucose levels after eating a meal?

  They rise
• How does the pancreas respond to high blood glucose levels?

  It releases insulin into the bloodstream
• What does insulin trigger in the body?

  Increased glucose absorption by cells
• What is the conversion of glucose to glycogen stimulated by?

  Insulin in liver and muscle cells
• What does insulin inhibit?

  Gluconeogenesis in the liver
• What is the effect of insulin on blood glucose concentration?

  It reduces blood glucose concentration
• What happens when blood glucose levels are too low?

  The pancreas releases glucagon
• What does glucagon trigger in the body?

  Breakdown of glycogen into glucose
• What is gluconeogenesis?

  Making glucose from amino acids and fats
• What is the effect of glucagon on blood glucose concentration?

  It increases blood glucose concentration
• What is the negative feedback mechanism in blood glucose control?

  Insulin lowers glucose; glucagon raises it
• What is the step-by-step process of blood glucose regulation?

  • Too High (After Eating):
  • Insulin Released
  • Cells absorb glucose, glucose → glycogen
  • Blood glucose falls to normal
  • Too Low (Fasting/Exercise):
  • Glucagon Released
  • Glycogen → glucose, new glucose made
  • Blood glucose rises to normal
• What role does the liver play in blood glucose control?

  Stores glycogen and breaks it down
• How do muscle cells respond to insulin?

  They absorb glucose for energy
• What do fat cells do in response to insulin?

  Stimulate fat storage
• What is Type 1 Diabetes caused by?

  Immune system attacking insulin-producing cells
• How is Type 1 Diabetes treated?

  With insulin injections
• What is Type 2 Diabetes linked to?

  Obesity and lack of exercise
• How is Type 2 Diabetes managed?

  With diet, exercise, and medication
• What are the main effects of insulin and glucagon?

  • Insulin:
  • Lowers blood glucose
  • Converts glucose to glycogen
  • Glucagon:
  • Raises blood glucose
  • Converts glycogen to glucose
• Why is blood glucose control important?

  Maintains energy supply and prevents health issues
• What is homeostasis?

  Regulation of internal conditions
• What is negative feedback?

  A mechanism that reverses a change
• What is glycogen?

  The storage form of glucose
• What is gluconeogenesis?

  Making glucose from non-carbohydrate sources
• What is hyperglycaemia?

  High blood sugar levels
• What is hypoglycaemia?

  Low blood sugar levels
• What are the key points in the final summary of blood glucose regulation?

  • Regulated by pancreas using insulin and glucagon
  • Liver stores glycogen and breaks it down
  • Negative feedback ensures stable glucose levels
  • Diabetes disrupts this balance, causing complications