Hormones that Affect Blood Sugar Grade 12 U Biology

Learning Goals To learn where insulin and glucagon are produced To understand how insulin and glucagon affect blood sugar via negative feedback To understand the causes and effects of both types of diabetes

The pancreas contains two types of cells: One type produces digestive enzymes while the other type produces HORMONES The hormone producing cells are located in structures called the islets of Langerhans, named after German Scientist Paul Langerhans. More than 2000 tiny islets, each containing thousands of cells, are scattered throughout the pancreas

Alpha Cells – Produce GLUCAGON Beta Cells – Produce INSULIN (I-BAG!!) The islets contain beta and alpha cells which produce hormones which control blood glucose levels Alpha Cells – Produce GLUCAGON Beta Cells – Produce INSULIN (I-BAG!!)

Insulin Insulin is released when blood sugar levels INCREASE After a meal blood sugar levels rise and insulin is released The insulin causes cells of the muscles, liver and other organs to become permeable to glucose The cells can then absorb the glucose from the bloodstream while the liver converts glucose to GLYCOGEN (The primary storage molecule of glucose) This returns blood glucose levels to NORMAL

Glucagon Glucagon is released when blood glucose levels DECREASE After fasting blood sugar levels decrease and Glucagon is released This promotes the conversion of GLYCOGEN to GLUCOSE in the liver which is then released into the bloodstream

Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic disease with no cure that affects more than 2 MILLION Canadians It is caused by the insufficient production of INSULIN Without insulin blood glucose levels rise sharply after meals which can lead to a number of problems from tiredness, increased urine production, kidney failure etc. 10% of Diabetes is Type 1 – Juvenile-Onset 90% is Type 2 – Adult-Onset Pregnant Women may also develop a temporary form of Diabetes

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