6C - Blood Glucose Regulation GLOSSARY

Carbohydrate

Large molecules (starch) that break down into sugars.

Glucose

Simple sugar used for immediate energy.

Glycogen

The stored form of glucose.

Blood Glucose Levels

The concentration of sugar currently in the blood.

Glycogenolysis

Breaking down glycogen into glucose.

Glycogenesis

Creating glycogen from glucose (usually from glycogen).

Hyperglycaemia

Blood sugar that is too high.

Hypoglycaemia

Blood sugar that is too low.

Liver

Organ that stores glycogen and releases glucose.

Skeletal Muscle

Also stores glycogen for its own energy use.

Pancreas

Organ that acts as the modulator for blood glucose.

Islet of Langerhans

The specific region in the pancreas with Alpha/Beta cells.

Beta Cells

Cells that produce Insulin.

Alpha Cells

Cells that produce Glucagon.

Insulin

Hormone that allows cells to take in glucose.

Glucagon

Hormone that tells the liver to release glucose.