Keto Means
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Which organ regulates blood sugar?

the pancreas The main function of the pancreas is to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It is a large gland located behind the stomach. It produces insulin, glucagon, and other hormones. Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use insulin properly (called insulin resistance).

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Glucagon is a hormone that works with other hormones and bodily functions to control glucose levels in the blood. It comes from alpha cells found in the pancreas and is closely related to insulin-secreting beta cells, making it a crucial component that keeps the body’s blood glucose levels stable. While glucagon keeps blood glucose from dropping too low, insulin is produced to keep blood glucose from rising too high. The two hormones counterbalance each other to stabilize blood glucose. When blood glucose levels fall too low (low blood glucose), the pancreas pumps out more glucagon. This hormone helps blood glucose rise back up in multiple ways: It causes the liver to convert stored glucose into a usable form and then release it into the bloodstream. (A process called glycogenolysis.) Glucagon also stops the liver from taking in and storing glucose, so more stays in the blood. Glucagon helps the body make glucose from other sources, such as amino acids. When everything is working well, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it is used for energy. Meanwhile, a complex feedback system within the body lets it know when no more glucagon is needed. In a nutshell, glucagon normally keeps blood glucose from dropping too low. Insulin keeps it from rising too high. The two hormones counterbalance each other.

Potential problems with glucagon function

Glucagon function is crucial to proper blood glucose levels, so problems with glucagon production will lead to problems with glucose levels. Low levels of glucagon are rare but are sometimes seen in babies. The main result is low levels of blood glucose. The treatment is to inject the patient with glucagon. When the individual has recovered sufficiently, eating carbohydrates will then raise the blood glucose levels even more. High levels of glucagon are also rare but can occur when a patient develops a specific type of tumor in the pancreas. Patients with high levels of glucagon can develop diabetes mellitus or experience unexpected weight loss.

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

A mild case of hypoglycemia may cause shakiness, headache, sweating, clammy skin, or a pounding heartbeat. Blood glucose level falls to 54–69 mg/dL. Mild hypoglycemia can generally be treated by consuming 15 grams of a fast-acting sugar source, such as fruit juice, non-diet soda, hard candies, or glucose tablets. If hypoglycemia becomes severe, you may not be able to safely swallow food or drink. By this point, the blood glucose level is less than 54 mg/dL—often below 40 mg/dL. You may feel very confused, pass out, or have a seizure. Without prompt treatment, severe hypoglycemia may lead to a coma or even death. Fortunately, severe hypoglycemia in a person with diabetes can be treated with prescription glucagon. Someone else will likely need to administer the glucagon, but this person does not have to be a health care professional. Relatives, friends, coworkers, and others can learn to give glucagon.

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