The Important Role of Insulin and Glucagon in Maintaining Homeostasis

The human body requires that the blood glucose level is maintained in a very narrow range. Homeostasis is
regulated by two hormones, insulin and glucagon which are both secreted by the endocrine pancreas. The
production of insulin and glucagon by these pancreatic cells ultimately determines if a patient has diabetes or
another related problem [4].
Insulin
Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to high blood sugar, although a low level of insulin
is always secreted by the pancreas. After a meal, the amount of insulin secreted into the blood increases as the
blood glucose rises. Likewise, as blood glucose falls, insulin secretion by the pancreatic islet beta cells decreases.
In response to insulin, cells (muscle, red blood cells, and fat cells) take glucose in from the blood, which ultimately
lowers the high blood glucose levels back to the normal range [4].
Glucagon
Glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas when blood glucose is low. Blood glucose is low between
meals and during exercise. When blood glucose is high, no glucagon is secreted from the alpha cells. Glucagon has
the greatest effect on the liver although it affects many different cells in the body. Glucagon's function is to cause
the liver to release stored glucose from its cells into the blood. Glucagon also the production of glucose by the liver
out of building blocks obtained from other nutrients found in the body, for example, protein [4].
Levels
Blood glucose is normally maintained between 70 mg/dl and 110 mg/dl. Blood glucose levels below
70mg/dl, denote the situation of "hypoglycemia". Although blood glucose levels of 110mg/dl can be normal, this
is only the case if a meal has been taken within 2 to 3 hours. A blood glucose level of 180mg/dl or more, is termed
"hyperglycemia." Diagnosis is made if blood glucose levels are above 200mg/dl after drinking a sugar-water drink
(glucose tolerance test) [4].
Cell Types in the endocrine pancreas
A B D PP
Peptide hormone: glucagon Insulin Somatostatin Pancreaticpolypeptide
Molecular weight: 3500 5800 1500 4200
Number of aa : 29 51 14 36