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What Regulates Sugar Levels in the Blood

Blood sugar (glucose) provides energy to every cell in our bodies. In order to avoid complications however, the body carefully regulates the amount circulating in our bodies. Several organs and hormones play a role in controlling blood sugar.

  1. What is Blood Sugar

    • Blood sugar forms from the breakdown of carbohydrates and other foods. It gets processed in the intestines where it is then sent out into the bloodstream.

    Role of the Liver

    • Your liver stores excess glucose in the form of glycogen. Your body draws on this reserve when necessary.

    Insulin

    • The hormone insulin helps keep blood sugar in check. Glucose typically increases right after you eat. The pancreas releases insulin to help the body absorb excess levels in the blood. The pancreas always emits a small level of insulin regardless of blood sugar levels, but it will rise when necessary and reduce when levels go back to normal.

    Glucagon

    • Glucagon--another hormone produced in the pancreas--comes into play when blood sugar falls too low. The release of this hormone triggers the liver to release glycogen, which brings blood sugar back to normal. It also encourages the liver and other parts of the body to produce insulin from protein or other nutrients.

    Considerations

    • If your pancreas cannot produce the above hormones normally, you might require outside assistance to regulate blood sugar. This might include medications, lifestyle modifications and following a particular type of diet. For example, diabetics need to limit their carbohydrate intake to an amount determined by a doctor or dietician and limit certain types like simple sugars from cookies and candy.

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