biomed

Insulin

A protein hormone secreted by the pancreas; essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and the regulation of glucose levels in the blood.

Metabolism

The chemical reaction processes of breaking down molecules for energy and using simple building blocks to build up more complex molecules needed for growth and repair.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal physiological conditions (like body temperature or the pH of blood), which enables the optimal functioning of an organism.

Hyperglycemia

An excess of sugar in the blood.

Feedback Loop

How the body maintains homeostasis by monitoring changes in the internal and external environment and feeding this information back to the body to make necessary changes.

Pancreas

Produces enzymes for digestion and hormones like insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar.

Glucose

A monosaccharide or simple sugar, with the chemical formula С6H12O6; made primarily by plants.

Hormone

A signaling molecule produced by glands that induces a specific effect on the activity of cells.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where the body becomes resistant to the hormone insulin, resulting in increasing blood sugar.

Glucagon

A hormone secreted by pancreatic endocrine cells that raises blood glucose levels; an antagonistic hormone to insulin.

Positive Feedback

A mechanism that causes a reinforcement of the original action, increasing the reaction based on the input.

Negative Feedback

A mechanism that causes the system to stop the original action or to perform an opposite action.

The Role of Glucose in the Body

Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for cells, and glucose is released into the bloodstream for use by our bodies to make energy.

Blood Sugar Regulation

The roles of insulin and glucagon in maintaining moderate blood sugar levels.

Diabetes

A disease where blood glucose levels rise due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.

Glycogen

A type of carbohydrate that serves as a crucial energy reserve for the body, stored in the liver and muscles.

Complications of Uncontrolled Diabetes

Long-term uncontrolled diabetes can lead to conditions such as neuropathy, kidney disease, and heart complications.

Extreme Thirst or Blurry Vision in Diabetes

High blood sugar can lead to dehydration (extreme thirst) and swelling of the eye lenses (blurry vision).

Insulin Regulation

Insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels by enabling glucose to enter the body's cells for energy.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Adopting a healthy diet, increasing exercise, and achieving weight loss can help prevent type 2 diabetes.