Control of Blood Glucose

• The pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream, which is transported to cells throughout the body.
• Adrenaline is released during stress or exercise, increasing heart rate and breathing rate while breaking down stored fatty acids for energy production.
• When the blood glucose level falls, the pancreas releases the hormone glucagon, which then stimulates the liver cells to break down glycogen to glucose and releases it to the bloodstream. Adrenaline can also speed up the conversion of glycogen to glucose. This therefore restores the blood glucose level back to normal.
• When the blood glucose level rises, the pancreas releases the hormone insulin, which stimulates the liver and muscle cells to take up excess glucose from the blood and convert it to insoluble glycogen, therefore restoring the blood glucose level back to normal.
• Glucagon is a hormone that is produced when blood glucose levels are too low and involved by stimulating liver and muscle cells to convert glycogen into glucose.
• Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate found in the liver used to store glucose.