Unit 4: Glucose Regulation Flashcards
What is glucose regulation?
The process of maintaining optimal blood glucose levels
What is glucose regulation achieved through?
A delicate balance between:
1. nutrient intake
2. hormonal signaling
3. glucose uptake by the cell
What happens to glucose when it enters the cell?
When glucose enters the cell it is oxidized through cellular respiration into adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
How is the efficiency of glucose metabolism reflected?
The efficiency of glucose metabolism is reflected in circulating blood glucose levels.
What is the definition of glycogen?
Glycogen is the major form of stored glucose, primarily in the liver and muscle cells.
What is the definition of glycogenolysis?
Glycogenolysis refers to the breakdown of glycogen to glucose.
What is the definition of gluconeogenesis?
Gluconeogenesis refers to the process of producing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.
What is the scope of glucose regulation?
Normal/optimal regulation to impaired regulation throughout the lifespan.
What are the normal range of blood glucose (BG) levels?
Normal blood glucose levels range between:
1.) 70 and 99 mg/dL in the fasting state
2.) 100 and 140 mg/dL in the 2 hour postprandial state
What is euglycemia?
The condition of having normal concentration of glucose in the blood
What is impaired glucose regulation?
Impaired glucose regulation can be further categorized by the etiology and is reflected in abnormally high or low BG levels.
What is hyperglycemia?
Hyperglycemia is a state of elevated BG levels, generally defined as greater than 100 mg/dL in the fasting state or greater than 140 mg/dL 2 hours postprandial
What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia is a state of insufficient or low BG levels, defined as less than 70 mg/dL
What is the range for hypoglycemia?
BG <70 mg/dL
(severe <50 mg/dL)
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- Reduced cognition
- Tremors
- Diaphoresis
- Weakness
- Hunger
- Headache
- Irritability
- Seizure
What is the range for euglycemia?
BG 70-140 mg/dL is the normal range
(pre- and post-prandial)
What is the range for hyperglycemia?
Post-prandial BG >140 mg/dL
(severe >180 mg/dL)
What are the symptoms of hyperglycemia?
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Fruity odor to breath (ketoacidosis)
- Kussmaul breathing
- Weight loss
- Hunger
- Poor wound healing
What is require to maintain glucose homeostasis?
Hormones are required to maintain glucose homeostasis
What is the only hormone produced that lowers elevated BG levels after carbohydrate intake?
Insulin
What are required to raise BG if levels begin to decrease or in anticipation of increased needs?
Several counter-regulatory hormones (hormones that oppose the action of other hormones)
E.g., glucagon, cortisol, growth hormone, norepinephrine, and epinephrine
How does insulin work?
After the consumption of food, insulin is released in response to rising glucose levels. Insulin facilitates glucose metabolism by binding to insulin receptors on the cell wall, signaling glucose transporter molecules that facilitate glucose entry into the cell. Insulin suppresses glucagon secretion and facilitates glycogen storage.
What is glucagon?
Glucagon is one of several counter-regulatory hormones released in response to cellular deficiency of glucose. Glucagon suppresses insulin and stimulates hepatic glucose production (from glycogen), resulting in elevated glucose levels.
What is required if blood glucose and glycogen stores are insufficient or there are stress conditions, or from use of steroid medications?
Gluconeogenesis
What are other counter-regulatory hormones released (aside from glucagon)?
- Cortisol
- Growth hormone
- Norepinephrine
- Epinephrine