6.6: Regulating Blood Glucose Levels

When blood glucose levels fall below the optimum, which hormone is secreted by the pancreas and which cells secrete the hormone?

1. Glucagon 2. Pancreatic alpha cells

When blood glucose levels rise above the optimum, which hormone is secreted by the pancreas and which cells secrete the hormone?

1. Insulin 2. Pancreatic beta cells

Endocrine Gland

A gland that secretes hormones directly through its cell wall to the blood.

Exocrine Gland

A gland that secretes hormones through a tube.

Examples of Endocrine Glands

Adrenal Glands, Ovaries, Pancreas

Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes

Blood glucose levels have to be measured regularly and insulin injections are used to control glucose levels.

Target cells for glucagon

Liver cells

Target cells for insulin

Liver cells & Muscle cells

Treatment for Type 2 Diabetes

Low carbohydrate diets can control the condition. Insulin injections are not an effective treatment.

Organ that monitors blood glucose level

Pancreas

Effect of glucagon

Stimulates liver cells to break glycogen down into glucose and release the glucose.

Effect of insulin

Stimulates the liver and muscle cells to absorb glucose and convert it to glycogen. Granules of glycogen are stored in these cells.

Examples of Exocrine Glands

Sweat and Salivary Glands

Cause of Type 2 Diabetes

Target cells become insensitive to insulin. Diets rich in fat and low in fibre, over-eating, and lack of exercise can increase the rate of the condition.

Cause of Type 1 Diabetes

Usually genetic. The immune system destroys beta cells in the pancreas so the amount of insulin secreted becomes insufficient.