4.5.3.2 control of blood glucose concentration Flashcards
how is glucose transported around the body?
dissolved in blood plasma- cells take in the glucose and combine it with oxygen in respiration, releasing energy.
what controls blood
glucose levels and what hormones are produced to regulate it?
the pancreas monitors and controls the level of glucose in the blood using two hormones - glucagon and insulin.
what happens if blood glucose levels are too high?0
the soluble glucose is moved into cells and either used by yours cells or stored as insoluble glycogen, the pancreas then secretes insulin into the blood.
what happens if blood glucose levels are too low?
glucagon makes your liver break down glycogen, turning it back into soluble glucose which then diffuses back into the blood.
why do people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels?
some of their cells do not respond to the hormone insulin.
what increases the chance of obtaining diabetes?
if you have family members with it or if you are overweight.
what are factors which decrease the chances of diabetes?
a healthy lifestyle. plenty of exercise and having a balanced diet.
what is type 1 diabetes and how is it obtained?
the pancreas does not produce insulin, as the immune system attacks the islet cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. This occurs typically at birth.
what is type 2 diabetes and how is it obtained?
the pancreas makes less insulin then the body is used to, so the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. This is caused by lifestyle.
what are the differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
type 1-
pancreatic cells no longer produce insulin
born with it
treatment involves regular insulin injections
type 2-
pancreatic cells still produce insulin but not enough so the body becomes resistant to it
linked to poor diet. lack of exercise + old age
controlled by controlling diet, exercising and losing weight.
What does the body do when blood glucose levels are too high?
Pancreas produces hormone insulin, glucose moves from the blood into the cells. Muscle cells within the liver convert excess glucose into glycogen for storage.
What does the body do when blood glucose is too low?
Pancreas produces the hormone glucagon that converts glycogen back into glucose which is transmitted back into the blood.
Insulin acts in the liver to reduce blood glucose concentration by:
increasing glucose absorption from the blood by the liver and muscles; converting excess glucose to glycogen. It can be broken down to glucose when sugar reserves are low.
What is insulin and what is its purpose?
A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy.
