Controlling Glucose Biology exam revision

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to controlling glucose levels in the body, including hormones (insulin and glucagon), diabetes types, and blood sugar regulation.

Glucose

Provides the energy needed for cells to complete life-sustaining metabolic reactions.

Hormones (insulin and glucagon)

Blood glucose levels can vary depending on what we eat and need to be constantly regulated by these.

Hyperglycemic

High blood sugar level, greater than 120mg%.

Hypoglycemic

Low blood sugar level, less than 80mg%.

Hypoglycaemia

Low blood sugar.

Hyperglycaemia

High blood sugar.

Glycogen

Polysaccharide of glucose; long-term energy storage molecule.

Insulin

Regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into liver, fat, and skeletal muscle cells; produced by the beta cells in the Pancreas.

Glucagon

Works to raise the concentration of glucose and fatty acids in the bloodstream (by breaking down glycogen); produced by the alpha cells in the Pancreas.

High blood glucose

The pancreas releases insulin, and glucose is converted to glycogen in the liver.

Low blood glucose

The pancreas releases glucagon; the liver converts glycogen back to glucose for the blood.

Type One Diabetes

Occurs when the body doesn’t make insulin (immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin).

Type Two Diabetes

Can develop at any age and can be linked to diet, lifestyle choices, and high blood pressure.