Insulin and diabetes

• Blood glucose concentration is monitored and controlled by the pancreas.
• If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells.
• In liver and muscle cells excess glucose is converted to glycogen for storage.
• (HT only) If the blood glucose concentration is too low, the pancreas produces glucagon, which causes glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood.
• Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. It is characterised by uncontrolled high blood glucose levels and is normally treated with insulin injections.
• In Type 2 diabetes the body cells no longer respond to insulin produced by the pancreas. A carbohydrate controlled diet and an exercise regime are common treatments. Obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.