What is glucose homeostasis?

Homeostasis can be defined as the tendency of the body to maintain different internal systems using different biochemical and physical processes. Examples of homeostasis in humans include an attempt to maintain relatively constant and normal blood pressure and its efforts to regulate the internal body temperature. Another example of human homeostasis is homeostasis of glucose, also known as blood glucose regulation or blood sugar control. Glucose homeostasis relies on the balance and interaction of two hormones - insulin and glucagon - to maintain a healthy blood glucose level.

Normally, the body is able to balance the amount of glucose or blood sugar with a lot of glucose that cells need for fuel. The hormonal insulin that produces the pancreas facilitates the transport of glucose to cells. Too little available insulin in the bloodstream will reduce the amount of glucose that the cells are capable of absorb. This increases blood glucose levels that in turn stimulates the pancreas to release more inZulín and allows greater glucose absorption. Glukagon works in a similar but opposite way to insulin. When blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas releases glucagon. The hormone stimulates the liver to release glucose stored in its cells, thus increasing blood glucose to a normal level.

In a healthy individual, these hormonal interactions and adjustments maintain a relatively constant and optimal blood glucose levels. When something interrupts this glucose homeostasis, one can experience blood glucose outside the normal range for a healthy person. Hyperglycemia or high blood glucose may occur when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or when cells are insulin resistant.

Inadequate insulin and insulin resistance is associated with diabetes mellitus and can cause severe hyperglycaemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus should carefully monitor blood glucose levels. IndividualsWith diabetes, insulin injections or oral drugs often have to use their high blood glucose. Left untreated, diabetes mellitus and associated hyperglycemia can damage the kidneys, eyes and circulatory system.

hypoglycaemia or low blood glucose is usually considered less severe than hyperglycaemia if hypoglycaemia is not present in a patient with diabetes. In such cases, hypoglycaemia may indicate an overdose administered by insulin or oral drugs, which may lead to dangerously low blood glucose levels. Less serious cases may occur due to fasting, excessive development or some metabolic condition. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include fatigue, nausea and dizziness.