The bodies Glucose system is an example of a negative feedback loop. We try to maintain a steady level of glucose in our blood. Too much or too little glucose in our blood can have serve effects on our body.

As you can see from the image above the pancreas is both the receptor and control centre and the liver is the effector.

Depending on wether your blood level is too high or to low the pancreas will produce Glucagon or Insulin. Glucagon and Insulin are produced by a group of endocrine cells called the islet of Langerhans.

1. When you eat, glucose is absorbed into the blood stream.

2. Receptors in the pancreas detect this change

3. Beta cells in the pancreas releases Insulin.

4. Cells within the liver and other cell around the body detect the insulin and absorb more glucose from the blood.

5. The glucose is now stored in the liver and other cells as Glycogen.

This is shown in the animation bellow

When you exercise the opposite occurs.  

1. Receptors in the pancreas detect a lack of glucose in the blood stream

2. Alpha cells in the pancreas releases Glucagon.

3. Cells within the liver and other cell around the body detect the Glucagon and release the glucose back into the blood.

5. The glucose is then used by muscle cells to create the energy required.

This is shown in the animation bellow

When we cant regulate our glucose levels we develop a condition known as Diabetes. There are 2 types of diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type one can occur at any age. In type 1 the body stops making insulin. Without insulin the body can not turn glucose into energy. With out insulin shots the body accumulates dangerous chemicals, causing a condition known as ketoacidosis.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type two occurs mostly in people over 50, however it is possible to develop it at a young age.

Insulin is produced, however the body is unable to process it or not enough is produced.

The best way to manage this is through diet and exercise.

Click here for a test on hormones and the endocrine system