AES 221 Lab 5 - Glucose Response

What is Glucose?

Glucose is a monosaccharide that is the primary source of energy for most cells in the human body

Functions of Glucose

- essential for cellular respiration, which allows cells to convert food into ATP

- can be used to synthesize glycogen

Where is glycogen stored?

In liver and skeletal muscles

Function of glycogen in the liver

maintain blood glucose levels

Function of glycogen in skeletal muscles

provide a quick source of energy for higher intensity exercises

normal range for blood glucose levels

70-110 mg/dL

Hyperglycemic

when blood glucose levels are elevated

Hypoglycemic

when blood glucose levels are too low

What does the pancreas do when blood glucose is too high?

beta cells within pancreatic islets will release insulin to help lower blood glucose levels to normal range

what does pancreas do when blood glucose levels are too low?

alpha cells within the pancreatic islets will release glucagon to help increase blood glucose levels

What is the Function of an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test? (OGTT)

They allow physicians to look for abnormalities in how individuals metabolize glucose and how different types of food consumptions affects blood glucose levels