Blood Glucose Control

Pancreatic receptors respon to raised blood glucose levels by increasing secretion of insulin from the pancreas Insulin activates the conversion of glucose to glycogen in the liver decreasing blood glucose concentration

Pancreatic receptors respond to lower blood glucose levels by increasing secretion of glucagon from the pancreas Glucagon activates the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver increasing blood glucose concentration

During exercise and fight or flight responses glucose concentrations in the blood are raised by adrenaline, released from the adrenal glands, stimulating glucagon secretion and inhibiting insulin secretion

Chronic elevation of blood glucose levels leads to the endothelium cells taking in more glucose than normal, damaging the blood vessels Atherosclerosis may develop leading to cardiovascular disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease Small blood vessels damaged by elevated glucose levels may result in a haemorrhage of blood vessels in the retina, renal failure or peripheral nerve dysfunction