The precise physiological regulation of blood glucose concentration, encompassing the processes of glucose uptake, storage (glycogenesis), and release (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis) by the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Optimal control is fundamentally dependent on the coordinated action of pancreatic hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon. This metabolic balance is critical for maintaining cellular energy supply and preventing long-term systemic complications.
Origin
This term is central to the field of endocrinology and metabolic medicine, tracing its roots to the discovery of insulin in the early 20th century. The concept combines glucose metabolism, the core biochemical process of energy production, with control, referring to the homeostatic regulatory mechanisms. Disruption of this control is the defining feature of diabetes mellitus.
Mechanism
The mechanism is a sophisticated endocrine feedback loop centered on the pancreas. When blood glucose rises, beta cells release insulin, which signals peripheral tissues to absorb glucose and the liver to store it as glycogen. Conversely, when glucose drops, alpha cells release glucagon, which signals the liver to break down glycogen and produce new glucose. Hormones like cortisol and growth hormone also contribute to counter-regulatory control.
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