What are the roles of glucagon and insulin in maintaining blood glucose levels?
Understand the Problem
The passage provides information about the pancreas as a composite gland, explaining its dual functions as both an exocrine and an endocrine gland. It details the roles of Islets of Langerhans, particularly the functions of α-cells and β-cells in regulating blood glucose levels through the secretion of glucagon and insulin. It highlights the processes of glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and glycosylation, which are crucial for glucose homeostasis.
Answer
Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake, while glucagon raises blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen breakdown in the liver.
Insulin and glucagon are critical hormones for maintaining blood glucose levels. Insulin decreases blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake, while glucagon increases blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver. Together, they regulate glucose homeostasis, preventing extreme high or low blood glucose levels.
Answer for screen readers
Insulin and glucagon are critical hormones for maintaining blood glucose levels. Insulin decreases blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake, while glucagon increases blood glucose by promoting glycogen breakdown in the liver. Together, they regulate glucose homeostasis, preventing extreme high or low blood glucose levels.
More Information
Insulin's role is crucial especially post-meal when blood glucose rises, while glucagon prevents hypoglycemia by ensuring glucose availability during fasting or low intake.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the action of these hormones; remember insulin acts to decrease, while glucagon increases blood glucose.
Sources
- Insulin and Glucagon: How Do They Work? - healthline.com
- How Do Insulin and Glucagon Regulate Blood Sugar Levels? - tandemclinicalresearch.com
- Glucose Metabolism and Regulation: Beyond Insulin and Glucagon - diabetesjournals.org
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