Regulating Glucose

• What hormones control blood glucose concentration?

  Insulin and glucagon
• What does blood glucose concentration refer to?

  It describes the amount of sugar in the bloodstream
• Why is it important to maintain a balance in blood glucose concentration?

  To prevent damage to tissues and ensure a constant supply of glucose for respiration
• What happens to blood glucose concentration after consuming a large meal high in carbohydrates?

  It increases due to the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream
• How does the pancreas respond to an increase in blood glucose concentration?

  It releases insulin into the bloodstream
• What role does insulin play in regulating blood glucose levels?

  It tells cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream
• Which cells are primarily responsible for taking in glucose when insulin is released?

  Liver and muscle cells
• What is glycogen?

  A long-term storage form of glucose
• What happens to blood glucose concentration when insulin is released?

  It decreases as glucose is taken up by cells
• What hormone is released when blood glucose levels drop too low?

  Glucagon
• How does glucagon function in the body?

  It increases blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen
• What would happen if a person skipped breakfast and their blood glucose levels dropped?

  The pancreas would secrete glucagon to raise blood glucose levels
• How do insulin and glucagon work together in the body?

  They create a negative feedback loop to maintain blood glucose levels
• Why does blood glucose concentration fluctuate rather than remain constant?

  Because insulin and glucagon are constantly released to regulate levels
• What is the effect of high blood glucose concentration on the body?

  It can start to damage tissues