Blood Glucose Control Mechanisms

The body maintains precise control over blood glucose levels to ensure cells have adequate energy for respiration while preventing tissue damage from excessive glucose. When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose in the intestines and released into the bloodstream, triggering the pancreas to release insulin.

Definition: Insulin is a hormone that signals cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Example: When blood glucose rises after eating a carbohydrate-rich meal, insulin prompts liver and muscle cells to store excess glucose as glycogen.

Vocabulary: Glycogen is the storage form of glucose in liver and muscle cells.

During periods of low blood glucose, the pancreas releases glucagon, which signals liver cells to break down stored glycogen into glucose, raising blood sugar levels.

Highlight: The pancreas acts as a glucose sensor, releasing either insulin or glucagon as needed to maintain optimal blood glucose levels.