The Liver And Blood Glucose Levels
Tweet Glucose is the key source of energy for the human body. Supply of this vital nutrient is carried through the bloodstream to many of the body’s cells. The liver produces, stores and releases glucose depending on the body’s need for glucose, a monosaccharide. This is primarily indicated by the hormones insulin - the main regulator of sugar in the blood - and glucagon. In fact, the liver acts as the body’s glucose reservoir and helps to keep your circulating blood sugar levels and other body fuels steady and constant. How the liver regulates blood glucose During absorption and digestion, the carbohydrates in the food you eat are reduced to their simplest form, glucose. Excess glucose is then removed from the blood, with the majority of it being converted into glycogen, the storage form of glucose, by the liver’s hepatic cells via a process called glycogenesis. Glycogenolysis When blood glucose concentration declines, the liver initiates glycogenolysis. The hepatic cells reconvert their glycogen stores into glucose, and continually release them into the blood until levels approach normal range. However, when blood glucose levels fall during a long fast, the body’s glycogen stores dwindle and additional sources of blood sugar are required. To help make up this shortfall, the liver, along with the kidneys, uses amino acids, lactic acid and glycerol to produce glucose. This process is known as gluconeogenesis. The liver may also convert other sugars such as sucrose, fructose, and galactose into glucose if your body’s glucose needs not being met by your diet. Ketones Ketones are alternative fuels that are produced by the liver from fats when sugar is in short supply. When your body’s glycogen storage runs low, the body starts conserving the sugar supplies fo Continue reading >>
The Importance Of Monitoring Blood-glucose Levels
Since your doctor told you that you have diabetes, you’ve had to make a few changes to your habits. Among other things, you probably now have to use a small device called blood glucose meter. Are you aware of the importance of monitoring your blood-glucose levels regularly? Essential facts about diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body treats glucose (sugar) in the blood. In the case of type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin, a hormone that allows the body’s cells to use glucose and produce energy. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a two-part affliction: first, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, and second, insulin can no longer play its role properly because the body’s cells are unaffected by it (insulin resistance). People suffering from diabetes, no matter what type, have to be followed by a doctor for life. Type 2 diabetes can, in some cases, initially be controlled by healthy eating habits, weight loss and increased physical activity. Many people with type 2 diabetes, however, will eventually have to take medication; it is most often taken orally, but sometimes it is administered by injection, such as insulin. For its part, treating type 1 diabetes is essentially based on daily insulin injections. Oral medication is not effective for this type of diabetes. Why is it important to control blood-glucose levels? Many people who live with diabetes don’t feel any particular symptoms, unless they are experiencing hyperglycemia (glucose level is too high) or hypoglycemia (glucose level is too low). Hyperglycemia can cause significant damage to some organs, which then leads to complications of diabetes. These include: cardiac or vascular event, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or stroke; kidney pr Continue reading >>
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Blood Sugar Control
The concentration of glucose in our blood is important and must be carefully regulated. This is done by the pancreas, which releases hormones that regulate the usage and storage of glucose by cells. Type 1 diabetics are unable to make sufficient quantities of one of these hormones – insulin - and must therefore control their blood sugar levels by injecting insulin, as well as by carefully controlling their diet and exercise levels. Controlling rising blood sugar It is important that blood glucose level is kept within a narrow range due to its importance as an energy source for respiration - but also because of the effects it could have in causing the movement of water into and out of cells by osmosis Having eaten a meal containing sugars or starch (eg sweets, potatoes, bread, rice or pasta), the starch and large sugars are digested down into glucose and absorbed across the small intestine wall into the bloodstream. This triggers a rise in blood glucose concentration. The pancreas monitors and controls the concentration of glucose in the blood. In response to an increase in blood glucose level above the normal level, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin which is released into the bloodstream. Insulin causes glucose to move from the blood into cells, where it is either used for respiration or stored in liver and muscle cells as glycogen. The effect of this is to lower the blood glucose concentration back to normal. The animation below shows how this works. You have an old or no version of Flash - you need to upgrade to view this content! Go to the WebWise Flash install guide Diabetes There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 which usually develops during childhood Type 2 which is usually develops in later life This syllabus focuses on Type 1 diabetes - whic Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Control (blood Sugar Levels)
Introduction to blood sugar levels Our blood glucose level, or blood sugar level, is the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The amount of glucose in the blood is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/l). Glucose levels are measured most commonly to diagnose or to monitor diabetes. It is also important to keep an eye on blood glucose levels during certain situations – for example: during pregnancy, pancreatitis and with increasing age. Normally, blood sugar levels stay within a narrow range during the day. A good level is between 4 to 8mmol/l. After you consume food, your blood sugar level will rise and after you have had a night’s rest, they will usually be lowest in the morning. Diabetes is a common disease in our society, affecting 2-5% of the general population, with many more people unaware that they may be affected by this condition. Diabetes results from a lack of insulin, or insensitivity of the body towards the level of insulin present. Thus if you have diabetes, your blood sugar level may move outside the normal limits. Why is controlling blood sugar levels so important? Carbohydrate foods are the body’s main energy source. When they are digested, they break down to form glucose in the bloodstream. If you make sure you eat regular meals, spread evenly throughout the day, you will help maintain your energy levels without causing large rises in your blood sugar levels. It is also important to maintain a stable and balanced blood sugar level, as there is a limited range of blood sugar levels in which the brain can function normally. Regular testing of your blood sugar levels allows you to monitor your level of control and assists you in altering your diabetes management strategy if your levels aren’t within the expected/recommended range. Long term c Continue reading >>
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Pancreatic Regulation Of Glucose Homeostasis
Go to: The pancreas is an exocrine and endocrine organ The pancreas has key roles in the regulation of macronutrient digestion and hence metabolism/energy homeostasis by releasing various digestive enzymes and pancreatic hormones. It is located behind the stomach within the left upper abdominal cavity and is partitioned into head, body and tail. The majority of this secretory organ consists of acinar—or exocrine—cells that secrete the pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes, such as amylase, pancreatic lipase and trypsinogen, into the ducts, that is, the main pancreatic and the accessory pancreatic duct. In contrast, pancreatic hormones are released in an endocrine manner, that is, direct secretion into the blood stream. The endocrine cells are clustered together, thereby forming the so-called islets of Langerhans, which are small, island-like structures within the exocrine pancreatic tissue that account for only 1–2% of the entire organ (Figure 1).1 There are five different cell types releasing various hormones from the endocrine system: glucagon-producing α-cells,2 which represent 15–20% of the total islet cells; amylin-, C-peptide- and insulin-producing β-cells,2 which account for 65–80% of the total cells; pancreatic polypeptide (PP)-producing γ-cells,3 which comprise 3–5% of the total islet cells; somatostatin-producing δ-cells,2 which constitute 3–10% of the total cells; and ghrelin-producing ɛ-cells,4 which comprise <1% of the total islet cells. Each of the hormones has distinct functions. Glucagon increases blood glucose levels, whereas insulin decreases them.5 Somatostatin inhibits both, glucagon and insulin release,6 whereas PP regulates the exocrine and endocrine secretion activity of the pancreas.3, 7 Altogether, these hormones regul Continue reading >>
Homeostasis Of Glucose Levels: Hormonal Control And Diabetes
Homeostasis According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are almost 26 million people in the United States alone that have diabetes, which is 8.3% of the total U.S. population. With so many Americans suffering from diabetes, how do we treat all of them? Do all of these people now need insulin shots, or are there other ways to treat, or prevent, diabetes? In order to answer these questions, we must first understand the fundamentals of blood glucose regulation. As you may remember, homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism, and maintaining a stable internal environment in a human means having to carefully regulate many parameters, including glucose levels in the blood. There are two major ways that signals are sent throughout the body. The first is through nerves of the nervous system. Signals are sent as nerve impulses that travel through nerve cells, called neurons. These impulses are sent to other neurons, or specific target cells at a specific location of the body that the neuron extends to. Most of the signals that the human body uses to regulate body temperature are sent through the nervous system. The second way that signals can be sent throughout the body is through the circulatory system. These signals are transmitted by specific molecules called hormones, which are signaling molecules that travel through the circulatory system. In this lesson, we'll take a look at how the human body maintains blood glucose levels through the use of hormone signaling. Homeostasis of Blood Glucose Levels Glucose is the main source of fuel for the cells in our bodies, but it's too big to simply diffuse into the cells by itself. Instead, it needs to be transported into the cells. Insulin is a hormone produced by the panc Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Regulation
Ball-and-stick model of a glucose molecule Blood sugar regulation is the process by which the levels of blood sugar, primarily glucose, are maintained by the body within a narrow range. This tight regulation is referred to as glucose homeostasis. Insulin, which lowers blood sugar, and glucagon, which raises it, are the most well known of the hormones involved, but more recent discoveries of other glucoregulatory hormones have expanded the understanding of this process.[1] Mechanisms[edit] Blood sugar regulation the flatline is the level needed the sine wave the fluctuations. Blood sugar levels are regulated by negative feedback in order to keep the body in balance. The levels of glucose in the blood are monitored by many tissues, but the cells in the pancreatic islets are among the most well understood and important. Glucagon[edit] If the blood glucose level falls to dangerous levels (as during very heavy exercise or lack of food for extended periods), the alpha cells of the pancreas release glucagon, a hormone whose effects on liver cells act to increase blood glucose levels. They convert glycogen into glucose (this process is called glycogenolysis). The glucose is released into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, the state of having low blood sugar, is treated by restoring the blood glucose level to normal by the ingestion or administration of dextrose or carbohydrate foods. It is often self-diagnosed and self-medicated orally by the ingestion of balanced meals. In more severe circumstances, it is treated by injection or infusion of glucagon. Insulin[edit] When levels of blood sugar rise, whether as a result of glycogen conversion, or from digestion of a meal, a different hormone is released from beta cells found in the Islets of Langerhans in the p Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Regulation Cycle
Blood sugar regulation is the process by which the levels of glucose are maintained by the body. Blood sugar levels are regulated by negative feedback in order to keep the body in balance. The levels of glucose in the blood are monitored by the cells in the pancreas. If the blood glucose level falls to dangerous levels (as in very heavy exercise or lack of food for extended periods), the Alpha cells of the pancreas release glucagon, a hormone which alerts the liver to increase blood glucose levels. The liver cells convert glycogen storage into glucose. The glucose is released into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels. There are also several other causes for an increase in blood sugar levels. Among them are the "stress" hormones such as adrenaline, several of the steroids, infections, trauma, and, of course, the ingestion of food. When levels of blood sugar rise, whether as a result of glycogen conversion, or from digestion of a meal, a different hormone is released from Beta cells found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. This hormone, insulin, causes the liver to convert more glucose into glycogen, and to force about 2/3 of body cells (primarily muscle and fat tissue cells) to take up glucose from the blood, thus decreasing blood sugar levels. Insulin also provides signals to several other body systems, and is the chief regulatory metabolic control in humans. Type 1 diabetes is caused by insufficient or non-existent production of insulin, while type 2 diabetes is primarily due to a decreased response to insulin in the tissues of the body (insulin resistance). Both types of diabetes, if untreated, result in too much glucose remaining in the blood (hyperglycemia) and many of the same complications. Also, too much insulin and/or exercise without enough Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Monitoring
Alan J. Sinclair, Simon C.M. Croxson, in Brocklehurst's Textbook of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology (Seventh Edition) , 2010 Blood glucose monitoring is recommended for insulin-treated patients on at least two occasions per day for those who are in poor metabolic control, but for stable patients a four-point profile once per week is adequate. Blood glucose estimations should be done before meals and at bedtime. Blood glucose monitoring is also valuable for patients with poor metabolic control (e.g., if considering insulin treatment) or who are at risk of hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes who are taking oral agents, home blood glucose monitoring should be offered, although it is not essential. Monitoring is only of value when a patient or caregiver or doctor is able to interpret and act upon the results. Joy Hinson BSc PhD DSc FHEA, ... Shern Chew BSc MD FRCP, in The Endocrine System (Second Edition) , 2010 Home blood glucose monitoring gives a useful snapshot of the glucose concentration at that moment, but it is useful for a physician to get a picture of how well the patient is controlling their blood glucose over a longer period of time. The best measure of this is the glycated haemoglobin concentration (HbA1c). Haemoglobin in red blood cells naturally forms a complex with glucose. The amount of the complex formed is directly proportional to the concentration of glucose in the blood. Thus, measuring the proportion of haemoglobin that is glycated gives an indication of average blood glucose levels. As red blood cells have a life of 120 days, the reading indicates how well blood glucose was controlled over the last couple of months. A high reading suggests that blood glucose has not been well controlled and the aim is to keep HbA1c as close to the norm Continue reading >>
Homeostasis - Blood Sugar And Temperature
Your pancreas constantly monitors and controls your blood sugar levels using two hormones. The best known of these is insulin. When your blood sugar levels rise after a meal your pancreas releases insulin. Insulin allows glucose to be taken into the cells of your body where it is used in cellular respiration. It also allows soluble glucose to be converted to an insoluble carbohydrate called glycogen which is stored in the liver and muscles. When your blood sugar levels fall below the ideal level your pancreas releases a different hormone called glucagon. Glucagon makes your liver break down glycogen, converting it back into glucose which can be used by the cells. Continue reading >>
2.1 Quiz
How does insulin assist with the movement of glucose into body cells? (explain the process) 1.) After eating, glucose levels in the blood rise. 2.) The pancreas detects this and releases insulin. 3.) The glucose and insulin travel through the bloodstream to cells. Glucose is too big to fit into the cells so insulin helps it. 4.) Insulin attaches to the insulin receptors (y shaped) in the cell membrane. These receptors send a signal through the cell for the glucose transport proteins to come to the cell membrane. 5.) The glucose transport proteins attaches to the cell membrane and open channels for the glucose to get into the cell. Continue reading >>
How The Body Controls Blood Sugar - Topic Overview
The bloodstream carries glucose-a type of sugar produced from the digestion of carbohydrates and other foods-to provide energy to cells throughout the body. Unused glucose is stored mainly in the liver as glycogen. Insulin, glucagon, and other hormone levels rise and fall to keep blood sugar in a normal range. Too little or too much of these hormones can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia). Normally, blood glucose levels increase after you eat a meal. When blood sugar rises, cells in the pancreas release insulin, causing the body to absorb glucose from the blood and lowering the blood sugar level to normal. When blood sugar drops too low, the level of insulin declines and other cells in the pancreas release glucagon, which causes the liver to turn stored glycogen back into glucose and release it into the blood. This brings blood sugar levels back up to normal. Continue reading >>
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Homeostatic Control Of Blood Glucose Levels Essay
Homeostatic Control of Blood Glucose Levels Glucose is an essential substance in the body as it is the primary source of energy for all biological functions and is indeed the only form of energy which can be used by the brain and central nervous system. The ideal level of blood glucose is 80 - 90mg of glucose per 100mls of blood. However this level is not static - it oscillates due to changes in the body which are brought about by actions such as eating a meal, exercising, or not eating for long periods. If blood glucose levels drop or rise dramatically there may be serious consequences such as hypo- or hyperglycaemia which can both cause death. Thus it is necessary for blood glucose levels to be …show more content… The level of blood glucose is constantly monitored by the beta cells. As the effects of insulin bring down the blood glucose level the cells secrete less and less of the hormone in accordance with the falling level of blood glucose - this continues until levels return to normal. The corresponding effect of this antagonistic mechanism occurs when blood glucose level have fallen too low - this is detected in the Islets of Langerhans by the alpha cells which are stimulated to produce glucagon. This hormone acts in two main ways to raise blood glucose concentration back to normal levels. Firstly, it stimulates the process of glycogenolysis whereby the liver and muscle cells convert glycogen into glucose to be discharged into the blood. In addition, it increases gluconeogenesis so that more glucose is synthesised from protein and fat sources. However if glucagon is allowed to encourage the production of glucose unchecked, the liver will begin to produce ketones which dangerously disrupt the acid/base balance in the body. The two… Continue reading >>
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Blood Sugar Control In The Body
The human body is amazing, particularly when you get into the intricacies of it. Each part of the body is continually being monitored and everything is simultaneously kept in perfect balance. Among others, one of the things the body monitors and keeps balanced is blood sugar control, that is, the amount of glucose in our blood. Someone with diabetes has problems keeping the glucose balance in the body; it depends on the type of diabetes as to why this is the case. Before we get into any of that, however, we need to be clear on how the body usually controls the blood sugar. It is only once we can comprehend that that we can begin to get into the details of what happens when someone has diabetes. So let’s get the basics down first. Glucose in the Body Glucose is absolutely essential for the running of our body, as it provides a source of energy for our muscles and fat cells to draw upon. The body gets its supply of glucose from the food we eat and we then absorb it into the bloodstream, which can transport it around the body to all the different cells where energy may be needed. The amount of glucose in our blood is very important and our body keeps this under tight control. The reason for this is simple; both too much and too little glucose can be detrimental for the body. We’ll go into more detail later on in the series but for now it is enough to appreciate that both can lead to serious outcomes. It is absolutely normal for the blood glucose levels to vary a little throughout the course of a day. When we’ve just finished eating a meal, the energy from the foods that we absorb causes our blood sugar to rise. The body then recognises this rise and makes adjustments to maintain the balance in the body. Blood Sugar Control The body controls our blood sugar using two Continue reading >>
Controlling Blood Sugar Levels
Glucose is a sugar needed by cells for respiration. It is important that the concentration of glucose in the blood is maintained at a constant level. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, controls blood sugar levels in the body. It travels from the pancreas to the liver in the bloodstream. As with other responses controlled by hormones, the response is slower but longer lasting than if it had been controlled by the nervous system. Blood sugar levels- Higher tier What happens when glucose levels in the blood become too high or too low glucose level effect on pancreas effect on liver effect on glucose level too high insulin secreted into the blood liver converts glucose into glycogen goes down too low insulin not secreted into the blood liver does not convert glucose into glycogen goes up Use the animation to make sure you understand how this works. You have an old or no version of flash - you need to upgrade to view this funky content! Go to the WebWise Flash install guide Diabetes is a disorder in which the blood glucose levels remain too high. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, which usually develops during childhood Type 2, which usually develops in later life. The table summarises some differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Some differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Who it mainly affects Children and teenagers. Adults under the age of 40. Adults, normally over the age of 40 (there is a greater risk in those who have poor diets and/or are overweight). How it works The pancreas stops making enough insulin. The body no longer responds to its insulin. How it is controlled Injections of insulin for life and an appropriate diet. Exercise and appropriate diet. When treating Type 1 diabetes, the dosage of in Continue reading >>
