Blood Glucose Regulation and Diabetes

Introduction

• Overview of blood glucose regulation
• Focus on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Key Organs in Blood Glucose Regulation

1. Small Intestine
   • Location: Middle of abdomen
   • Function: Breaks down and absorbs carbohydrates into glucose
2. Pancreas
   • Produces Insulin (in beta cells)
   • Produces Glucagon (in alpha cells)
3. Liver
   • Stores glucose as glycogen
   • Produces glucose through gluconeogenesis (converts amino acids into glucose)
4. Muscles
   • Absorbs glucose
   • Stores it as glycogen for later use

Graphical Representation of Blood Glucose Levels

• Normal Blood Sugar: Initially at a happy level
• After Eating Carbohydrates:
  • Example: Eating a large bowl of rice
  • Glucose enters the bloodstream
  • Pancreas senses rise -> releases Insulin
  • Insulin signals liver and muscles to absorb glucose
  • Result: Blood sugar levels drop back to normal

Low Blood Glucose Scenario

• Causes: Increased demand (e.g., exercise, intense thinking)
• Brain senses low glucose -> triggers hunger
• Pancreas releases Glucagon:
  • Signals liver/muscles to convert glycogen back to glucose
  • Gluconeogenesis: Liver produces glucose from proteins/chemicals

Diabetes Overview

Type 1 Diabetes

• Definition: Lack of insulin production by pancreas
• Consequence: High blood glucose levels with no signaling for uptake
• Result: Severe hyperglycemia and potential diabetic ketoacidosis
• Treatment: Insulin replacement through subcutaneous injection

Type 2 Diabetes

• Definition: Insulin resistance due to chronic high carbohydrate intake
• Consequence: Increased insulin requirement for glucose uptake
  • Pancreas overworks to produce more insulin
• Result: Eventually leads to low insulin production and high blood glucose levels

Conclusion

• Summary of blood glucose control and diabetes types
• Upcoming videos on treatments for Type 2 diabetes
• Encouragement to check out zerofinals.com and subscribe to YouTube channel

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