Biology / Unit 12 Bio 2943 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Insulin and Glucagon: Opposing Glucose Control
Captions available
The idea
Insulin, released as blood glucose rises, lowers it by promoting cellular uptake and glycogen storage; glucagon, released as glucose falls, raises it by promoting glycogen breakdown — maintaining homeostasis.
In practice
Insulin resistance or insufficient insulin causes glucose to accumulate in blood rather than entering cells, defining diabetes mellitus.
Where people slip
Some cells, including kidney and brain cells, can access glucose without insulin, unlike most tissue.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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