Insulin vs Glucagon: How the Body Balances Glucose Levels

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In summary, insulin and Glucagon are antagonistic hormones that work together to maintain the homeostatic glucose level in the body. Insulin helps to store excess glucose while Glucagon brings more glucose into circulation when needed. The body has mechanisms to prevent insulin from being constantly produced, and it also knows when to produce insulin for glucose from food versus gluconeogenesis. Both insulin and glucagon can be high or low in certain conditions. More information can be found in a biochemistry book.
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mktsgm
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The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by the action of antagonistic hormones. Why don't they destroy each other to the point of complete destruction in the race against each other?
We know that insulin and Glucagon are considered antagonistic hormones as they help us to maintain the homeostatic glucose level for our cells.

When the concentration of blood glucose rises (after eating, for example), beta cells of the pancreas secrete insulin into the blood. Insulin helps to store the excess glucose into storage cells like liver and adipose cells. When the blood glucose level is reduced, Glucagon kicks in and brings more glucose into blood circulation.

At this condition, what prevents insulin to be kicked in again? If so, the glucose produced by the glucagon would be pushed again into storage cells, unnecessarily. Obviously body is not doing this futile act.

I would like to know, how the body decides if the glucose that is circulated is from food (for which insulin may be necessary) or from gluconeogenesis etc (for which insulin should not be produced)?

Also, is there a condition or possibility wherein both insulin and glucagon would be high or low, ie., in a similar state?
 
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  • #3
mktsgm said:
Summary: The endocrine system maintains homeostasis by the action of antagonistic hormones. Why don't they destroy each other to the point of complete destruction in the race against each other?

We know that insulin and Glucagon are considered antagonistic hormones as they help us to maintain the homeostatic glucose level for our cells.

When the concentration of blood glucose rises (after eating, for example), beta cells of the pancreas secrete insulin into the blood. Insulin helps to store the excess glucose into storage cells like liver and adipose cells. When the blood glucose level is reduced, Glucagon kicks in and brings more glucose into blood circulation.

At this condition, what prevents insulin to be kicked in again? If so, the glucose produced by the glucagon would be pushed again into storage cells, unnecessarily. Obviously body is not doing this futile act.

I would like to know, how the body decides if the glucose that is circulated is from food (for which insulin may be necessary) or from gluconeogenesis etc (for which insulin should not be produced)?

Also, is there a condition or possibility wherein both insulin and glucagon would be high or low, ie., in a similar state?
Did you check the link? A decent biochemistry book will give you the details. Are you studying?
 

1. What is the role of insulin in balancing glucose levels in the body?

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate glucose levels in the body. It works by signaling cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, which lowers blood sugar levels. This is important because high levels of glucose can be harmful to the body.

2. How does glucagon work in contrast to insulin?

Glucagon is also a hormone produced by the pancreas, but it has the opposite effect of insulin. When blood sugar levels are low, glucagon is released and signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, which raises blood sugar levels. This helps to maintain a balance between insulin and glucagon in the body.

3. What happens if there is an imbalance between insulin and glucagon?

If there is an imbalance between insulin and glucagon, it can lead to problems with blood sugar levels. If there is too much insulin and not enough glucagon, blood sugar levels can drop too low, causing hypoglycemia. On the other hand, if there is too much glucagon and not enough insulin, blood sugar levels can rise too high, leading to hyperglycemia.

4. How does the body regulate the production of insulin and glucagon?

The body has a complex feedback system that regulates the production of insulin and glucagon. When blood sugar levels are high, insulin is released to lower them. As blood sugar levels decrease, the production of insulin slows down and glucagon is released to raise blood sugar levels. This process helps to maintain a balance between the two hormones.

5. What factors can affect the balance between insulin and glucagon?

Several factors can affect the balance between insulin and glucagon in the body. These include diet, exercise, stress, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Eating a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and disrupt the balance between insulin and glucagon. Regular exercise can help improve the body's sensitivity to insulin and maintain a healthy balance. Stress can also impact hormone levels and lead to imbalances. People with diabetes may have issues with insulin production or sensitivity, which can affect the balance between insulin and glucagon.

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