Blood Sugar Regulation and Diabetes Types: Insulin & Glucagon

What is the importance of blood sugar regulation in the body?

Every cell in the body uses glucose, and the brain, nervous system, and red blood cells run almost exclusively on glucose.

What is glycogen and where is it stored?

Glycogen is a storage form of glucose found in the liver and muscles.

What is the normal range for blood sugar levels?

70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter.

What can happen if blood sugar levels go too high or too low?

A person can go into a coma.

What are the two primary hormones that regulate blood sugar?

Insulin and glucagon.

How does insulin affect blood sugar levels?

Insulin lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into liver and muscle cells.

What role does glucagon play in blood sugar regulation?

Glucagon raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver.

What happens to blood sugar levels after consuming a large meal high in carbohydrates?

Blood sugar levels rise, prompting the pancreas to secrete insulin.

How does insulin help glucose enter cells?

Insulin acts like a key that opens the doors of liver and muscle cells, allowing glucose to enter.

What happens when the liver and muscles have taken up all available glucose?

The liver begins converting excess glucose into fat.

What triggers the secretion of glucagon from the pancreas?

Low blood sugar levels.

What is type 1 diabetes and when does it typically present?

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by insufficient insulin production and usually presents in childhood.

What is the treatment for type 1 diabetes?

Insulin injections and careful monitoring of carbohydrate intake.

What is type 2 diabetes and when does it typically present?

Type 2 diabetes usually presents in adulthood and is characterized by insulin resistance.

How does the pancreas function in type 2 diabetes?

The pancreas produces insulin, but the body becomes insensitive to it, preventing glucose uptake.

What is a common cause of type 2 diabetes?

Excess body fat.

What can help reverse type 2 diabetes in some cases?

Losing excess body fat.

What is the role of beta cells in the pancreas?

Beta cells produce insulin.

What happens to blood sugar levels when insulin is injected into a type 1 diabetic?

Blood sugar levels decrease as insulin facilitates glucose uptake.

What is the relationship between insulin and glycogen?

Insulin promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles.

What happens to blood sugar levels during exercise?

Stored glucose can be used up quickly, potentially lowering blood sugar levels.

What is the effect of glucagon on glycogen?

Glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen into glucose in the liver.

Why is it important to maintain blood sugar within a narrow range?

To prevent serious health issues, including coma.

What is a memory trick to remember the function of glucagon?

"When the glucose is gone, we need glucagon."

How does the body respond to high blood sugar levels?

The pancreas secretes insulin to lower blood sugar levels.

What is the significance of the liver in blood sugar regulation?

The liver stores glycogen and can convert glycogen back into glucose when needed.

What distinguishes type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes involves insufficient insulin production, while type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance.