Homeostasis

Pancreas plays an important role as it produces hormones (insulin and glucagon) which control blood sugar level

Glucagon vs Insulin

Glucagon - raises glucose levels in blood by stimulating breakdown of glycogen (which is stored in the liver)

When LOW BLOOD GLUCOSE OCCURS

Alpha cells in pancreas release glucagon, which converts glycogen in liver into glucose

Liver then releases glucose into blood

Finally, normal blood levels are restored

Insulin - is usually required for glucose to enter cells

- can lower blood glucose levels by stimulating: body cells to absorb glucose, the liver to store glucose as glycogen, and convert glucose into fatty acids

When HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE OCCURS

Beta cells in pancreas release insulin, which converts glucose into glycogen in the liver and muscle cells

Fat cells take in glucose from blood

Normal blood levels are restored

Why is low blood glucose levels bad?

The brain requires a continuous supply of glucose for energy, otherwise it cannot properly perform certain functions and can lead to complications

Why is high blood glucose levels bad?

Can lead to damage to body’s organs and tissues over time, which can lead to things such as nerve damage and cardiovascular disease

Diabetes mellitus

Symptoms

  • increasing thirst

  • frequent urination (espescially at night)

  • Unexplained weightloss

  • Blurred vision

  • Increasing hunger

  • Recurrent infections

  • Fatigue & Dizziness

  • Wounds heal slowly

Type 1 - body destroys beta cells, leaving body with a high glucose blood level

Type 2 - insulin receptors are defective (pancreas initially produces additional insulin, but it then burns out)

Treatments

  • daily insulin injections (type 1 only)

  • balanced diet

  • regular exercise

  • regular blood sugar level testing

  • oral medication or insulin (type 2)