Control of Blood Glucose Concentration

• How blood glucose concentration is kept normal after a meal (6)

  • Levels are high after a meal so insulin is released by pancreas, causing glucose to enter cells
  • Glucose is converted to glycogen in the liver and muscle cells
  • Levels return to normal, insulin secretion stops
  • When blood glucose is low glucagon is released by pancreas, causing breakdown of glycogen in liver back into glucose
  • Levels go up to normal, glucagon secretion stops
• Type 2 diabetes

  • More common in older people due to an unhealthy diet
  • Body cells no longer respond to insulin
  • Obesity is a risk factor
  • Managed through healthy low-sugar diet and Regular Exercise
• Type 1 diabetes

  • Life-long
  • Pancreas produces insufficient insulin
  • High blood glucose levels
  • Requires insulin injections