Roles of glucagon in blood sugar levels

• The endocrine system secretes hormones into the bloodstream from glands throughout the body
• Hormones produce an effect on specific target organs in the body
• In blood glucose regulation, the hormone insulin plays a key role
• When blood sugar rises, insulin signals the liver, muscles, and other cells to store excess glucose
• Excess glucose is stored as body fat and glycogen in the liver and muscles
• If blood glucose level is too low, the liver receives a signal to release stored glucose into the blood
• Glucagon, produced by the pancreas, is responsible for releasing stored glucose into the blood when blood glucose level is low
• This process is an example of negative feedback
• Action of insulin:

  • Low glucose: Insulin not secreted into the blood, Liver does not convert glucose into glycogen, Blood glucose level increases
  • High glucose: Insulin secreted into the blood, Liver converts glucose into glycogen, Blood glucose level decreases