Control of blood glucose concentration by the pancreas and insulin
Regulating blood glucose
A simple sugar used by cells for respiration. is needed by cells for The chemical change that takes place inside living cells, which uses glucose and oxygen to release the energy that organisms need to live. Carbon dioxide is a by-product of respiration.. It is important that the concentration of glucose in the blood is maintained at a constant level and controlled carefully.
A hormone that regulates the level of sugar in the blood and can be produced by genetically modified bacteria. is a Chemical messenger produced in glands and carried by the blood to specific organs in the body. - produced by the Large gland located in the abdomen near the stomach which produces digestive enzymes and the hormone insulin. - that regulates glucose concentrations in the blood.
If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin that causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells. In liver and muscle cells, excess glucose is converted to Animals store glucose as glycogen in their liver and muscle tissues. for storage, and will be used at a later date.
The diagram illustrates how insulin works in the body:
Learn more about blood glucose with Dr Alex Lathbridge.
Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
In this podcast, learn the key facts about blood glucose. Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds.
