blood glucose levels and obesity

Blood glucose needs to be maintained at a constant level, what is the issue if levels remain high for a long time?

Chronic elevated blood glucose levels lead to atherosclerosis and blood vessel damage.

What is the effect of chronic elevation of blood glucose levels on blood vessels?

Chronic elevation of blood glucose levels leads to the endothelium cells taking in more glucose than normal, damaging the blood vessels.

This may lead to atherosclerosis, what is the health impact of this?

Atherosclerosis may develop leading to cardiovascular disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease.

Small blood vessels damaged by elevated glucose levels may result in:

Haemorrhage of blood vessels in the retina, renal failure or peripheral nerve dysfunction.

Name the two hormones involved in maintaining a constant blood glucose level and where they are produced.

Insulin and glucagon and they are produced in the pancreas.

How do pancreatic receptors respond to raised blood glucose levels?

Pancreatic receptors respond to raised blood glucose levels by increasing secretion of insulin from the pancreas.

What is the role of insulin?

Insulin activates the conversion of glucose to glycogen in the liver decreasing blood glucose concentration.

How do pancreatic receptors respond to lowered blood glucoes levels ?

Pancreactic receptors respond to lowered blood glucose levels by increasing secretion of glucagon from the pancreas.

What is the role of glucagon?

Glucagon activates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver increasing blood glucose concentration.