explain mechanisms of blood sugar levels

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Explain the mechanisms for the regulation of blood sugar levels

As mammals we need glucose for respiration, which provides us with energy. When we eat glucose is broken down in glycolysis, we produce ATP in the kerb's cycle and electron transport chain. So it is essential we have a constant supply of glucose for respiration.

The level of glucose must be kept relatively constant. If it gets too low the cells will be deprived of energy then die.

Our brain cells only respire to glucose, if the levels get too high it will lower the water potential in the blood and will cause osmotic problems. This will result in dehydration that can be equally dangerous, because of homeostatic control for our blood glucose levels is really important.

We have three sources of blood glucose; we can have it direct in our diets from carbohydrates like starch, lactose, sucrose and maltose. Also the breakdown of glycogen (glycogenolysis), which is stored in our liver and muscle cells.

The average humans liver contains 75-100g of glycogen, this is made by converting excess glucose taken in the diet, and this process is called glycogenesis.

Glycogenesis means production of