Controlling Blood Glucose 

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  • Controlling Blood Glucose
    • Insulin and Glucagon (which are secreted from the pancreas) control blood glucose levels
    • The normal metabolism of cells removes excess glucose from the blood
      • Vigorous exercise removes much more glucose from the blood
    • Excess glucose can be stored as glycogen in the liver and in the muscles
    • Insulin
      • Added to the blood when the glucose level is too high
      • If insulin is not added to the blood it can lead to serious health problems such as:
        • Hyperglycemia
          • This can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs
            • This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems in people with diabetes.
      • Insulin makes the liver turn glucose into glycogen
    • Glucagon
      • Added to the blood when the glucose level is too low
      • Glucagon makes the liver turn glycogen (stored glucose) into glucose
      • If glucagon is not added to the blood then it can lead to serious help problems such as:
        • Hypoglycemia
          • This can lead to seizures, headaches, low concentration, poor coordination (slurred speech and clumsiness etc.) and in extreme cases, malnutrition.
    • Type 1 Diabetes is where the pancreas produces little or no insulin.The blood sugar level can rise to where it can kill them. People with Type 1 Diabetes should consider lowering the simple carbohydrate intake of their diets (causes blood sugar level to rise rapidly) and regular exercise (to remove excess glucose from the blood).
    • Type 2 Diabetes is when a person is resistant to its own insulin. This causes the blood sugar level to rise to a dangerous level. Being overweight increases the risk but this can be stabilised by regular exercise and carbohydrate-controlled diets.

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