Glucoregulation

• Blood glucose levels are monitored and controlled by the pancreas

  
• The pancreas produces and releases different hormones depending on the blood glucose level

  
• Insulin is released when blood glucose levels are high – the liver stores excess glucose as glycogen

  
• Glucagon is released when blood glucose levels are low – the liver converts stored glycogen into glucose and releases it into the blood

  
• When the control of blood glucose does not work, a person is said to have diabetes

  
• Type 1 diabetes is caused by the death of the cells that secrete insulin
• Symptom of Type 1 diabetes: hyperglycaemia (feel unwell, dry mouth, blurred vision and feel thirsty) or hypoglycaemia (tired, show confusion and irrational behaviour)
• Treatment of Type 1 diabetes: eating little and often and avoiding large amount of carbohydrates, injecting insulin to reduce blood glucose concentration