Discuss the actions of the hormones insulin and glucagon and the relationship between the two hormones in the regulation of blood glucose


When the blood glucose level rises, the body adjusts by storing the excess. The first organ to detect the excess glucose is the pancreas, which releases the hormone insulin in response. Most of the body's cells respond to insulin by taking up glucose from the blood to make glycogen or fat. Thus, the blood glucose level is quickly brought back down to normal as the body stores the excess. Insulin's opposing hormone, released by the pancreas when blood glucose is too low, is glucagon, which draws forth glucose from storage, making it available to supply energy. Insulin and glucagon both work to maintain the concentration of glucose in the blood within the normal range—neither too high nor too low.

Nutritional Science

You might also like to view...

Why are the elderly especially vulnerable to adverse drug-nutrient interactions?

What will be an ideal response?

Nutritional Science

Which of the following groups would be most at risk for potassium deficiency?

A. patients taking diuretics B. infants and young children C. breastfeeding mothers D. pregnant women

Nutritional Science

Which information is part of the food and nutrition-related history during the nutrition assessment for overweight and obese clients?

a. usual body weight b. blood pressure c. visceral protein assessment d. current weight e. food allergies and intolerances

Nutritional Science

Lipid dietary requirements

What will be an ideal response?

Nutritional Science