Mechanism and Clinical Significance of Blood Glucose Regulation in Health and Disease

Physiological Regulation of Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose regulation is a vital physiological process involving multiple hormonal and cellular mechanisms. The balance of glucose levels is primarily maintained by insulin and glucagon, ensuring stable energy supply to tissues.

Role of Insulin and Glucagon

• Insulin: Produced by pancreatic beta cells, insulin facilitates glucose uptake by cells, lowering blood glucose levels.
• Glucagon: Secreted by alpha cells of the pancreas, glucagon triggers glucose release from liver stores during fasting states.

Clinical Significance

Disruptions in glucose regulation can lead to metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of beta cells, while type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance.

Regulatory Mechanisms

• Glucose homeostasis is controlled by feedback loops involving insulin, glucagon, and additional hormones like cortisol and epinephrine.
• The liver plays a central role, storing excess glucose as glycogen and releasing it when needed.

Future Perspectives

Advances in diabetes management include continuous glucose monitoring, artificial pancreas systems, and personalized medicine approaches targeting glucose metabolism.