Monday, February 8, 2010

How does insulin and glucagon work together to control blood sugar levels?

I'm working on a project on the Endocrine System.How does insulin and glucagon work together to control blood sugar levels?
The body鈥檚 blood sugar level is regulated primarily by the pancreas and the liver. The liver stores excess glucose and releases it when needed. The pancreas secretes insulin that helps carry glucose into the body's cells, and it secretes glucagon that triggers the release of stored glucose in the liver.





Here is where you can find that information and more.





Good luck to you.How does insulin and glucagon work together to control blood sugar levels?
its like a balancing system. Insulin is a hormone secreted from the pancreas that regulates the levels of glucose in your blood stream. It decreases the amount keeping it between a normal 80-110.





Glycogen is a form of sugar stored in the liver, which is a source of energy or sugar for the body when it is needed. If sugar levels drop too low from not eating, or if the body needs a burst of energy when all other sources are depleted, the liver breaks down the glycogen and release it.





Insulin is used on a consistent basis, while glycogen is basically a reserve in the liver when its needed.





So in short, insulin decreases sugar levels, while glucagon increases it. its a balancing system.
Insulin is made and secreted by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets which, are located in the pancreas. The insulin basically stimulates the uptake of glucose from the circulatory system into the liver and muscle cells. This has the effect of removing glucose (sugar) from the blood.





Glucagon is the exact opposite. Periods of fasting will stimulate the release of glucagon which, is made and secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. Basically, glucagon stimulates the liver and muscles to break down stored glycogen (glycogenolysis). This releases the glucose into the bloodstream.

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