controlling blood glucose

• Glucose in the blood

  Controlled by hormones
• Blood glucose concentration is controlled as part of homeostasis
• Insulin and Glucagon


  The two hormones involved in controlling blood glucose level
• Insulin and Glucagon Control Blood Glucose Level

  1. Ending foods containing carbohydrate puts glucose (a type of sugar) into the blood from the gut

  2. Normal metabolism of cells takes glucose from the blood

  3. Vigorous exercise removes much glucose from the blood

  4. Excess glucose can be stored as glycogen in the liver and in the muscles

  5. The level of glucose in the blood is monitored by the pancreas, using the hormones insulin and glucagon, in a negative feedback cycle
• Blood glucose level TOO HIGH

  INSULIN is ADDED
• Blood glucose level TOO LOW

  GLUCAGON is ADDED
• With Diabetes, You Can't Control Your Blood Sugar Level
• Type 1 diabetes


  The pancreas produces little or no insulin, so a person's blood glucose level can rise to a level that can kill them
• Type 2 diabetes


  A person becomes resistant to their own insulin (they still produce insulin, but their body's cells don't respond properly to the hormone), which can also cause a person's blood sugar level to rise to a dangerous level
• Being overweight can increase your chance of developing Type 2 diabetes, as obesity is a major risk factor in the development of the disease
• Type 1 diabetes treatment

  • Insulin therapy - usually involves several injections of insulin throughout the day, most likely at mealtimes
  • Limiting the intake of food rich in simple carbohydrates, eg. sugars
  • Taking regular exercise
• Type 2 diabetes treatment

  • Eating a carbohydrate-controlled diet
  • Getting regular exercise