Regulating Blood Glucose Levels

importance of regulating blood glucose levels:

cells need a constant supply of glucose as a source of energy for cell activities - like movement, reproduction, transport, synthesising molecules, active transport and many others

cellular respiration equation:

glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy (ATP)

How much glycogen can the body store, and how?

500 grams - 100g in liver and 400g in skeletal muscles

What are the main organs involved in the regulation of blood and sugar

• Liver

• Adrenal glands (Adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla)

• Pancreas (Islets of Langerhans)

Processes that occur for regulating blood glucose levels:

• Gluconeogenesis

• Lipogenesis

• Lipolysis

• Glycogenolysis

• Glycogenesis

Define gluconeogenesis:

conversion of fats or protein into glucose

Define lipogenesis:

Conversion of glucose into lipids for storage

Define lipolysis:

Breakdown of lipids in adipose tissue for the process of gluconeogenesis

Define glycogenolysis:

Breakdown of glycogen to glucose

Define glycogenesis:

Conversion of glucose to glycogen for storage

role of the liver in blood glucose regulation:

• blood supply from the hepatic portal vein brings blood directly from stomach, spleen, pancreas and intestines - so liver has first chance to absorb digested food

Processes occuring here:

• Glycogenesis due to insulin

• Glycogenolysis due to primarily glucagon. If not sufficient, also due to cortisol, noradrenaline + adrenaline

• Gluconeogenesis due to primarily glucagon. If not sufficient, also due to cortisol.

• Lactic acid is converted to glucose due to noradrenaline + adrenaline