HOW DOES THE BODY CONTROL GLUCOSE?

I know its not really a kitchen,etc. tip,but might help in the way you prepare,plan your meals.Esp,if you have diabetics in your family..

HOW DOES THE BODY CONTROL GLUCOSE?

The amount of glucose in the blood is controlled mainly by
the hormones insulin and glucagon. Too much or too little of
these hormones can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low
(hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia). Other hormones
that influence blood sugar levels are cortisol, growth hormone,
and catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).

The pancreas, a gland in the upper abdomen, produces insulin
and glucagon. The pancreas is dotted with hormone-producing
tissue called the islets of Langerhans, which contain alpha
and beta cells. When blood sugar rises after a meal, the beta
cells release insulin. The insulin helps glucose enter body
cells, lowering blood levels of glucose to the normal range.

When blood sugar drops too low, the alpha cells secrete
glucagon. This signals the liver to release stored glycogen
and change it back to glucose, raising blood sugar levels
to the normal range. Muscles also store glycogen that can
be converted to glucose.

YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ:

I Have Diabetes: What Should I Eat?
http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/364.shtml

What is a good blood sugar level?
http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/150.shtml

Taken from The Diabetic Newsletter..