Explain the role of insulin and glucagon in maintaining blood glucose levels. Describe how these pancreatic hormones work in opposite ways to maintain a relatively stable glucose concentration.
Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting glucose uptake and storage, especially as glycogen. Glucagon raises blood glucose by promoting the breakdown of stored glycogen and formation of glucose. Together, they help maintain blood glucose balance.
The pancreas produces two hormones that are needed to maintain a relatively stable concentration of glucose in the blood. These hormones are called insulin and glucagon. The actions of insulin and glucagon are opposite to each other, which allows maintaining homeostasis.
1. Insulin (lowers blood sugar level)
The hormone insulin is secreted when blood sugar levels are too high, for instance, after eating a meal. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood, lowering the blood sugar level. The hormone also causes the conversion of glucose to glycogen in the liver and muscles. This process lowers blood sugar levels even more, which allows returning them to normal.
2. Glucagon (raises blood sugar level)
The hormone glucagon is secreted when blood sugar levels are too low, for instance, between two meals. The hormone causes the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, which raises blood sugar levels. After that, they become normal again.
In conclusion, the actions of insulin and glucagon are opposite to each other, which allows maintaining a relatively stable level of blood sugar.