Maintaining Blood Glucose Levels ag ag

THE PANCREAS  The pancreas has two types of cells:  One type produces digestive enzymes  The other type produces hormones  Cells that produce hormones are located in structures called Islets of Langerhans.

 The pancreas produces two hormones, both involved in maintaining blood glucose (sugar) levels by way of a negative feedback loop. 1.Insulin: Released when blood sugar levels increase (like after you eat). Causes cells of muscle, liver and organs to absorb glucose for storage. The liver is the primary storage center, in the form of glycogen. 2.Glucagon: Released when blood sugar levels drop. It causes the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the blood stream. HORMONES

 A chronic disease in which the body cannot produce any insulin, or enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin it does produce.  In someone with diabetes, blood sugar levels rise dramatically after eating, and the body cannot achieve equilibrium on its own.  Kidneys cannot absorb all of the excess blood sugar, so sugar appears in urine.  Without insulin, sugar cannot easily enter cells, leading to low energy levels.  If untreated, can lead to nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness and potentially death. DIABETES

 Type 1 - Occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and kills the beta cells of the pancreas. No, or very little, insulin is released into the body. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy.  Type 1 diabetes generally develops in childhood or adolescence – Juvenile Diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Meal planning also helps with keeping blood sugar at the right levels. TYPE 1 DIABETES

TYPE 2 DIABETES  Type 2 - Diabetes occurs when the body can’t properly use the insulin that is released or does not make enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used as energy. Most common type.  Depending on the severity of type 2 diabetes, it may be managed through physical activity and meal planning, or may also require medications and/or insulin to control blood sugar more effectively.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES  A temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.  It affects approximately two to four per cent of all pregnancies and involves an increased risk of developing diabetes for both mother and child.