Mary Ann Ramsey

Weekly Assignment

Blood Sugar Regulation

1. The blood sugar regulation is a mechanism in which blood sugar levels, mainly glucose,

are regulated within a narrow range by the body. This close control is referred to as

homeostasis of glucose. Insulin, which lowers blood sugar and glucagon, which increases

blood sugar, are the most widely known of the hormones involved, although more recent

observations of other glucoregulatory hormones have broadened the understanding of this

mechanism. The gland called the pancreas secretes two hormones and is mainly

responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.

2. The pancreas secretes more insulin when blood sugar is too high. When blood sugar

levels drop, the pancreas releases glucagon to increase blood sugar levels. This balance

helps to provide adequate energy to the cells while avoiding nerve damage that can result

from chronically high blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the immune

system, the body's anti-infection system, assaults and kills the insulin-producing beta

cells of the pancreas. Scientists assume that type 1 diabetes is triggered by genes and

environmental factors, such as viruses, that could activate the disease.

3. In the long term, inadequate blood sugar regulation in diabetic patients leads to heart and

blood vascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, eye disorders and heart disease.
 Optimal control over blood sugar levels is therefore necessary to ensure that these long-

term effects are avoided.

4. So, I'll have to use technology for my improvements for this weekly task, so I can be

more assured that my interpretation of the subject is correct and I can find several similar

topics that will clarify better to me.

References

SL. Aronoff, K. Berkowitz, B. Shreiner, L. Want (2004). Glucose Metabolism and

Regulation: Beyond Insulin and Glucagon. Retrieved from

https://web.archive.org/web/20191217150016/https://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/17/3/18

3.abstract