- Summarise the physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of blood glucose levels.
blood glucose levels are maintained by insulin. Insulin is released by pancreatic beta-cells in the absorptive state after digestion of food.
- Insulin promotes glucose uptake by cells, particularly in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, via the translocation of GLUT-4 transporters to the cell membrane. when insulin binds to an insulin receptor it causes the GLUT4 transporters to become intracellular and pump glucose into the cells.
In the LIVER and MUSCLES insulin promotes conversion of glucose to glycogen for storage purposes
In ADIPOSE TISSUE insulin promotes Storage of glucose in the form of fatty-acids and it also INHIBITS lipolysis
Insulin PROMOTES protein synthesis and the uptake of amino-acids into cells.
Insulin suppresses the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources in the liver, as there is already sufficient glucose available in the bloodstream. which stops any threat of DKA occuring due to ketone buildup
below is a good explanation of what the other islet of langerhanns pancreatic cells do which effect glucose
A Cells (Alpha Cells)
- Secrete: Glucagon
- Effect on Glucose:
- Increases blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to:
- Glycogenolysis: Breakdown of glycogen into glucose.
- Gluconeogenesis: Production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (e.g., amino acids and glycerol).
- Lipolysis: Breakdown of fats into free fatty acids, which can be used as an alternative energy source (indirectly sparing glucose).
- Glucagon is released during the post-absorptive state (fasting state) when blood glucose levels are low.
D Cells (Delta Cells)