B11.2 - The Control Of Blood Glucose Levels (Finished) Flashcards
What are the two hormones involved in blood glucose control?
Insulin and glucagon
Why do cells need a constant supply of glucose?
For respiration
Which hormone is used when blood glucose levels are too high?
Insulin
What happens when blood glucose levels are too high?
1) Insulin is secreted by the pancreas
2) It causes glucose to be turned into glycogen in the liver
3) It causes the liver and muscle cells to store glycogen
4) it causes an increased uptake of glucose by cells
What two things does insulin do?
- It allows glucose to move from the blood into cells to be used
- It makes the liver turn glucose into glycogen
- It makes the muscle and liver cells store glycogen
How does the liver store glucose?
By converting it into a carbohydrate called glycogen
What happens when the glycogen stores in the liver and muscles are full?
Any excess glucose is converted into lipids and stored
What does glucagon do?
Glucagon makes the liver break down glycogen, converting it back into glucose to release stored glucose to the blood
What type of control does the body use for blood glucose levels?
Negative feedback control
What happens when there is not enough glucose in the blood?
1) The pancreas secretes glucagon
2) Glucagon causes the liver to break down glycogen into glucose
3) The liver releases glucose into the bloodstream
What is the problem in type 1 diabetes?
The pancreas produces little or no insulin so glucose isn’t removed
Why is no insulin bad?
Blood glucose levels can rise to a level that can kill people
How is type 1 diabetes treated?
Using insulin therapy. Several injections of insulin throughout the day, mostly at mealtimes
Why do insulin injections help with type 1 diabetes?
It makes sure glucose is removed from the body quickly once food has been digested
What is the problem in type 2 diabetes?
A person becomes resistant to their own insulin. The body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin
