4.4 - Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels

Explain glucose’s role in the body

• glucose is the main source of energy for the body

• glucose is used in cellular respiration to create ATP (usable energy) for cells, functions and the body

Why must Glucose levels maintain constant?

• concentration of blood glucose levels is 3.0 - 7.7 mmol/L

• must remain relatively constant for effective functioning of cells and, therefore, individual

How is glucose obtained?

Glucose is obtained from diet:

• foods with carbohydrates

  • get broken down into glucose (simple sugars) in digestion

What is glucose converted into?

glucose gets converted into glycogen in the liver when there is an excess amount OR fat stores in the muscle

What gland is responsible for the regulation of glucose?

Pacreas:

• Islets of Langerhans: clusters of alpha and beta cells

  • Alpha cells: detect low levels of blood glucose, they produce & secrete glucagon hormone to raise levels

    • liver will convert glycogen back to glucose, muscle cells convert fat back to glucose

  • Beta cells: detect high blood glucose levels, secrete insuline to lower them

    • liver converts excess glucose into glycogen, muscle cells stores glucose as fat

What is Type 1 diabetes

• autoimmune diseases, genetic disorder

• the body cannot produce insulin

• glucose cannot enter the cells to be used in cellular respiration to create ATP, glucose levels remain high

Type 2 diabetes

• caused by diet, lifestyle

• cells do not respond to insulin, so, overtime, insulin is not produced

put in symptoms