Regulating Blood Sugar 10.3

Islets of Langerhans groups of cells in the pancreas beta cells produce insulin alpha cells produce glucagon

Regulation of Blood Sugar

Insulin released when blood sugar is HIGH inhibits breakdown of glycogen in liver promotes fatty acid uptake in adipose tissue & inhibits breakdown of fats promotes protein synthesis & inhibits protein breakdown

Glucagon released when blood sugar is LOW stimulates breakdown of glycogen into glucose in liver promotes breakdown of fats and proteins into fatty acids and amino acids

Adrenal Glands adrenal cortex produces 3 different types of hormones, including glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids low blood glucose level & elevated level of epinephrine cause the hypothalamus to secrete ACTH ACTH stimulates adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids stimulate synthesis of glucose from fats & proteins reduce glucose uptake by body cells except in central nervous system promote breakdown of fats & proteins to provide alternative energy source

Imbalance if blood glucose level is too high it can cause a condition called hyperglycemia if blood glucose level is too low it can cause a condition called hypoglycemia

Diabetes Mellitus hyperglycemia due to problems with insulin production and/or action Classic symptoms of diabetes: frequent urination increased thirst increased appetite

Type 1 Diabetes beta cells in pancreas cannot produce insulin begins in infancy treatment is daily administration of insulin

Type 2 Diabetes reduced production of insulin and/or the inability to bind to its receptors properly usually develops in adulthood, strong genetic link & association with obesity treatment is controlled diet & exercise and sometimes oral medications

Gestational Diabetes develops in some women during pregnancy can increase risk of future development of diabetes in mother and/or child