Describe the Body's Mechanisms for Controlling Blood Glucose Levels Under Normal and Stress Conditions

Describe the body's mechanisms for controlling blood glucose levels under normal and stress conditions

To some extent, every cell in our body depends on glucose for its fuel. Our brain cells and nervous system depend on glucose almost exclusively for their energy.

Storage of glucose is limited and the activities of these cells never end. In order to maintain that supply, glucose is transported to our body cells from either the small intestine or the liver via a steady bloodstream with the help of the hormone insulin. This hormone is secreted by special cells in the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose concentration. Blood glucose homeostasis is also regulated by glucagon, which brings glucose out of storage when necessary.

Blood glucose rises after a person eats. This rise stimulates the beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin into the bloodstream. The amount of insulin secreted corresponds with the rise in glucose. Most of the cells take only the glucose they can use for energy immediately, but the liver and muscle cells can assemble glucose into glycogen for storage. The liver cells also convert extra glucose to fat for storage. As the excess glucose is stored as glycogen and fat it can then return to normal levels. Our bodies are designed to properly manage the rise and fall of blood sugar levels and to best achieve blood glucose homeostasis. Hours after eating a meal, when the body is in a post-absorptive state, blood glucose falls and triggers the alpha cells of the pancreas to secrete glucagon into the blood. The release of glucagon increases blood glucose by signaling the liver to break down its glycogen stores and release glucose into the blood for use by all other body cells.

The maintenance of normal blood glucose depends on foods and hormones. Eating balanced meals help to slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates so that glucose enters the blood gradually. Eating at regular intervals will also...