1. Hormones that Affect Blood Sugar
Grade 12 U Biology

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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!!)

5. 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

6. 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

8. 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

9. The End!