Controlling blood glucose

• Subtopic


  Controlling blood glucose
• Blood glucose levels are controlled by a negative feedback mechanism involving the production of two hormones – insulin and glucagon
• Blood sugar level ranges between 80 -120 mg/100cm3 of blood
• Effect of having high glucose concentration in the blood


  (recall osmosis)
• Both hormones which control blood glucose concentration are made in the pancreas
• Insulin


  Produced when blood glucose rises and stimulates:

  i. liver and muscle cells to convert excess glucose into glycogen to be stored

  ii. Increases respiration to oxidize the glucose into energy , carbon dioxide and water

  iii. Conversion excess glucose into fats and stored under the skin as adipose tissues
• Glucagon


  Produced when blood glucose falls and stimulates liver and muscle cells to convert stored glycogen into glucose to be released into the blood
• Negative feedback mechanism


  Involved in controlling blood glucose levels