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What can happen when organs & control systems stop working?Control of blood glucose concentration

The control systems that keep our bodies functioning are very complicated. Sometimes they do not work efficiently, which can lead to illness.

Part of Biology (Single Science)The human body - Staying alive

Control of blood glucose concentration by pancreas and insulin

Regulating blood glucose

is needed by cells for . It is important that the concentration of glucose in the blood is maintained at a constant level and controlled carefully. is a hormone - produced by a gland called the - that regulates glucose concentrations in the blood.

If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells. Insulin targets liver and muscle cells, causing them to take up excess glucose and convert it to glycogen for storage. The glucose can then be used at a later date when the body needs it.

Action of insulin

Low glucoseHigh glucose
Effect on pancreasInsulin not secreted into the bloodInsulin secreted into the blood
Effect on liverDoes not convert glucose into glycogenConverts glucose into glycogen
Effect on pancreas
Low glucoseInsulin not secreted into the blood
High glucoseInsulin secreted into the blood
Effect on liver
Low glucoseDoes not convert glucose into glycogen
High glucoseConverts glucose into glycogen
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Role of glucagon in blood sugar levels 鈥 Higher

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