What is the role of the pancreas in regulating blood sugar levels?
Answer (1)
The pancreas is both an exocrine and an endocrine gland. Its endocrine function, through the islets of Langerhans, is crucial for maintaining blood glucose levels within a narrow range. This is essential because blood sugar (glucose) is the body’s main source of energy.There are two primary hormones involved:Insulin: Secreted by beta cells when blood sugar levels are high (e.g., after eating). Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood, especially in the liver, muscles, and fat tissue. It also stimulates the liver to store glucose as glycogen. The effect is a decrease in blood glucose levels.Glucagon: Secreted by alpha cells when blood sugar is low (e.g., between meals or during fasting). Glucagon signals the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream, increasing blood glucose levels.Together, insulin and glucagon form a negative feedback loop that keeps blood sugar stable.If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or if cells become resistant to it, it leads to diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of beta cells, while Type 2 involves insulin resistance.The pancreas also monitors and adjusts blood sugar continuously—even while sleeping—so that the brain and other organs have a steady energy supply.
