Regulation Blood Glucose

     Blood glucose needs to be in a target range between 70 and 110 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).  People with a blood glucose (sugar) below 60 mg/dl are considered hypoglycemic.  If you haven't eaten anything in the last two-and-a-half to three hours and you test above 180 mg/dl, you are considered hyperglycemic.
     Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas.  Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the pancreas which has the property of increasing the concentration of glucose.  Glucagon is largely stored in the liver.  Insulin and glucagon are the hormones responsible for maintaining a normal blood glucose range.  The pancreas' ability to produce insulin determines if you have diabetes.  High blood sugar triggers the release of insulin.  When insulin is released into the bloodstream it unlocks the cell door and allows the cell to take in glucose or nutrition.  As blood sugar rises, the amount of insulin secreted into the blood stream increases.  As blood sugar falls, the amount of insulin released will go down.  When blood glucose is high, the body dose not release any glucagon.  If blood sugar is low, glucagon is released.  The purpose of glucagon is to cause the liver to release some of the glucagon it has stored, which raises the glucose level.
     There are many reasons why the pancreas may quit working or fail to release enough insulin for bodily system needs,  One cause is Insulin Resistance Syndrome.  Insulin Resistance Syndrome is a combination of abnormal glucose levels, lipids (blood fats), metabolism, obesity, and high blood pressure.  Insulin resistance occurs when the body is less sensitive to the action of insulin.  When this reduced sensitivity exists, your body attempts to overcome it by releasing more insulin.  Not all diabetics have insulin resistance.  Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot keep up with the demand for more insulin.  Type 1 diabetics do not have this problem because their beta cells do not produce any insulin at all.  Some factors in insulin resistance are: Obesity, high triglycerides and cholesterol, glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, stress, smoking, family history, aging and lifestyle.