Controlling blood glucose
The blood glucose level of a healthy person stays between 80 and 120 mg in every 100 cm3 of blood. Two hormones from the pancreas keep it there.
Insulin — from the beta cells
Released when glucose rises, after a meal.
Cells take up glucose; the liver stores the extra as glycogen.
Blood glucose falls.
Glucagon — from the alpha cells
Released when glucose falls, between meals.
The liver breaks glycogen down into glucose.
Blood glucose rises.
Diabetes
When too little insulin is made, or the cells stop responding to it, blood glucose stays high and glucose appears in the urine. Diet, exercise, medicine or insulin injections control it.