GLUCOSE

DEFINITION OF HOMEOSTASIS

This is the tendency to maintain stability or uniformity in an

organism’s internal environment. An internal balance is maintained of

body temperature and of chemicals such as water , glucose , urea salts

carbon dioxide homeostasis involves both the nervous and endocrine

systems.

DEFINITION OF GLUCOSE

The simple sugar that serves as the main source of energy in the body. Glucose is the principal sugar the body makes. The body makes glucose from proteins, fats

and, in largest part, carbohydrates. Glucose is carried to each cell through

the bloodstream. Cells, however, cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

Glucose is also known as dextrose.

NEGATIVE FEEDBACK CONTROL

In animals such as ourselves, the internal environment of our bodies must have certain conditions within a tolerance level to continue the healthy functioning of our body. This is done

by a process called negative feedback control, where different receptors and effectors bring about a reaction to

make sure that such conditions remain under control.

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

Negative Feedback Mechanisms: Are the most common they are stimulus response

mechanisms in which the response produced decreases the original stimulus. When the body sweats it cools the body down to its preferred temperature to 37 degrees.

Positive Feedback Mechanisms: Are those which the stimulus causes the change that

increases rather than decreases back to the original stimulus's. A positive feedback would be the action of a potential nerve cell.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism, the way our bodies uses food for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, and creates sugar in our blood. Glucose is

the main component of fuel for the body. After digestion, glucose goes through the bloodstream, where it is used by cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must

be provided.

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, it is a large gland behind the stomach. When we eat, the pancreas automatically makes the right amount of insulin to move glucose from blood

into our cells. In people with diabetes the pancreas either makes little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond well to the insulin that is produced. Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into

the urine, and passes out of the body. Either way, the body loses its main source of fuel even though the blood contains large

amounts of sugar.

What type of Diabetes?Type 1:

Diabetes is generally genetic, which is known

as type 1 diabetes.

Type 2: This type of Diabetes

can usually be healed by healthy diet and fitness .

FIVE TOP STEPS FOR AVOIDING OR REVERSING

THE THREAT OF DIABETES...

1. EAT WISELY!

2. GET MOVING!

3. SAY HELLO TO THE SUN!

4. SHED THOSE EXTRA KILOS!

5. TAKE GLUCOSE-BALANCE!

Blood / Sugar Regulation

The body requires volumes of glucose in order to make ATP. Two hormones are responsible for

controlling the concentration of glucose in the blood. These are insulin and glucagon. The

diagram shows the principle of negative feedback control in action involving blood/sugar

levels.

Pancreas Receptors

The receptors of the pancreas are in charge for controlling the glucose levels in the bloodstream.

Two types of cells release two different hormones from the pancreas, insulin and glucagon. These

hormones target the liver, one or the other depending on the glucose concentration.

When glucose levels increase, less glucagon and more insulin is released by the pancreas and

targets the liver . In cases where glucose levels decrease, less insulin and more glucagon is

released by the pancreas and targets the liver

The Liver

The liver acts as a storage place for glycogen, the storage form of glucose. When glycogen or insulin

hormones aim for the liver, the following occurs;

Insulin - Insulin is released to the increase of glucose levels, therefore it converts the glucose into

glycogen, which is stored in the liver to be used in a later date.

Glucagon - Glucagon is released as a result of a decrease in glucose levels, and promotes the conversion of glycogen into glucose, where the lack glucose can be made up for by the new supply of glucose brought about from glycogen.

BLOOD GLUCOSEThe amount of glucose in your blood is carefully

controlled. Again, this uses the hormonal system. The hormones responsible for regulating blood glucose are produced in the pancreas in particular areas called Islets of Langerhans.