control of blood glucose concentration

what is glucose?

glucose is a simple sugar molecule.

it is broken down during respiration to release energy.

what would happen to your blood glucose levels following a meal?

blood glucose levels would rise.

which organ detects changes in blood glucose concentrations?

the pancreas.

what will the pancreas do if blood glucose concentrations rise too high?

it will produce insulin and release it into the bloodstream.

what 2 things will insulin cause cells to do?

• absorb glucose from the blood into the cells

• convert excess glucose into glycogen.

this mostly happens in liver and muscle cells.

what will the pancreas do if blood glucose concentrations fall too low?

it will produce glucagon.

what 2 things will glucagon cause cells to do?

• break glucagon down into glucose.

• release that glucose into the bloodstream

  this mostly happens in liver and muscle cells.

what are the 2 forms of diabetes?

• type 1 diabetes

• type 2 diabetes

what is type 1 diabetes?

type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the body’s immune system damages the pancreas so it can no longer produce sufficient insulin.

this leads to high blood glucose concentrations.

which group of people does type 1 diabetes normally affect?

young people, such as children and teenagers.

what is the treatment for type 1 diabetes?

mainly insulin injections.

it is also important to maintain a good diet and do regular exercise.

what is type 2 diabetes?

type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which body cells no longer respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas.

this leads to high blood glucose concentrations.

which group of people does type 2 diabetes normally affect?

generally older people with poor diets, who don’t exercise regularly.

what is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?

a strict diet with limited carbohydrates and regular exercise.

insulin and other medications are sometimes also required.

is obesity a risk factor for type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

obesity is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.