Blood Glucose

Homeostasis of blood glucose is a tightly regulated physiological process that ensures the body’s internal environment remains stable, primarily through the antagonistic actions of insulin and glucagon secreted by the pancreas. When blood sugar levels rise—typically after a meal—beta cells in the pancreas release insulin, which facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells and triggers the liver to store excess glucose as glycogen. Conversely, when blood sugar drops, alpha cells secrete glucagon, signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen back into glucose (glycogenolysis) or create new glucose (gluconeogenesis) to be released into the bloodstream. This continuous feedback loop maintains glucose concentration within a narrow, healthy range, ensuring a steady energy supply for vital organs like the brain while preventing the cellular damage associated with chronic hyperglycemia.