Lab 13 - Glucose Tolerance Seminar Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on endocrine regulation of blood glucose, insulin, and glucagon.

Insulin

Hormone secreted from the β cells of the pancreas responsible for moving glucose into cells and reducing blood glucose levels.

Glucagon

Hormone released from the α cells of the pancreas responsible for mobilizing stored sugars (glycogenolysis) and producing new sugars (gluconeogenesis) in the liver, raising blood glucose levels.

Glycogenolysis

Breakdown of glycogen in the liver.

Gluconeogenesis

Production of new sugars in the liver.

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

A test in which blood glucose concentration is measured over time after a glucose load to track blood glucose levels.

Polyuria

Increased urine production as a result of glucose spilling into the urine and drawing water with it (osmotic diuresis).

Polydipsia

Increased drinking due to loss of water, stimulating thirst centers in the brain.

Polyphagia

Increased eating because cells cannot use glucose, leading the patient to eat more protein and lipids.

Ketoacidosis

Production of acidic ketones as a result of increased fat metabolism, potentially leading to metabolic acidosis, diabetic coma, or death.

Insulin Shock

Occurs when plasma glucose levels drop to very low levels due to an overdose of exogenous insulin, causing the CNS to fail.

High Blood Sugar

Molecules, especially on vascular endothelial cells, become glycosylated, leading to blockage of the vessel lumen and reduced circulation.

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic state caused by increased ketone production, leading to acidosis and potentially diabetic coma.