Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Glucose Homeostasis?

Gayle R.
Gayle R.

Homeostasis can be defined as an organism's tendency to maintain the equilibrium of different internal systems by using various biochemical and physical processes. Examples of homeostasis in humans include the body's attempt to maintain a fairly constant and normal blood pressure, and its efforts to regulate internal body temperature. Another example of human homeostasis is glucose homeostasis, also known as blood glucose regulation or blood sugar regulation. Glucose homeostasis relies on the balance and interactions of two hormones — insulin and glucagon — to maintain a healthy blood glucose level.

Under normal circumstances, the body is able to balance the amount of glucose, or sugar, in the blood with the amount of glucose that the cells need for fuel. The hormone insulin, which the pancreas produces, facilitates the transport of glucose into the cells. Too little available insulin in the bloodstream will reduce the amount of glucose that the cells are able to absorb. This will raise the blood glucose level, which in turn stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin and allow more glucose absorption.

People with diabetes may need to take insulin injections to control their high blood glucose.
People with diabetes may need to take insulin injections to control their high blood glucose.

The other side of the equation in glucose homeostasis involves glucagon — another hormone produced by the pancreas. Glucagon works in a similar but opposite manner as insulin. When blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas releases glucagon. The hormone stimulates the liver to release glucose stored within its cells, thus raising blood glucose levels to a normal level.

Glucose homeostasis is the regulation of blood sugar levels.
Glucose homeostasis is the regulation of blood sugar levels.

In a healthy individual, these hormonal interactions and adjustments maintain a fairly constant and optimal blood glucose level. When something interrupts this glucose homeostasis, a person may experience blood glucose levels outside the normal range for a healthy person. Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, can occur when the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or when cells are resistant to insulin.

Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.
Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.

Insufficient insulin and insulin resistance are associated with diabetes mellitus and can cause severe hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes mellitus should closely monitor their blood glucose levels. Often, individuals with diabetes will need to take insulin injections or oral medications to control their high blood glucose. Left untreated, diabetes mellitus and the associated hyperglycemia can damage the kidneys, eyes, and circulatory system.

If the pancreas fails to properly produce insulin, blood glucose levels will rise.
If the pancreas fails to properly produce insulin, blood glucose levels will rise.

Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, is typically considered less serious than hyperglycemia unless the hypoglycemia is present in a patient with diabetes. In such cases, the hypoglycemia can mean an overdose of administered insulin or oral medication, which can lead to dangerously low blood glucose levels. Less serious cases can occur because of fasting, overexertion, or some metabolic condition. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include fatigue, nausea, and dizziness.

Discussion Comments

anon355451

jennythelib

@Kat919 - For a diabetic, maintaining proper levels of blood sugar requires a delicate balance of food intake and the correct amount of insulin. They calculate the amount of insulin needed to metabolize each thing they eat. If an insulin-dependent diabetic overshoots the insulin, and takes too much, his or her blood sugar levels will drop too low. Taking a sugary drink will quickly bring blood sugar levels back up to normal and prevent more serious complications.

Even for people who do not have and are not at risk for diabetes, glucose levels in the blood can really effect energy levels and your general health. Basically, it is bad for anyone to have peaks and valleys of blood sugar - and these peaks and valleys are caused by eating a lot of sweets and white flour. If you stick to whole wheat and whole fruit (which does have a lot of sugar, but also have fiber to help you metabolize it more slowly), you'll be a lot better off!

Kat919

I get that both types of diabetics have trouble maintaining homeostasis of blood glucose levels. I probably understand Type 1 better; their bodies do not produce insulin, so they cannot metabolize glucose, so they develop sever hyperglycemia and will die if left untreated.

But then why do they wind up *low* blood sugar? Like in that scene in "Steel Magnolias" where Julia Roberts gets ill in the beauty shop and they're all trying to find her something sweet, like juice or candy. Isn't giving sugar to a diabetic generally a *bad* idea?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • People with diabetes may need to take insulin injections to control their high blood glucose.
      By: Dmitry Lobanov
      People with diabetes may need to take insulin injections to control their high blood glucose.
    • Glucose homeostasis is the regulation of blood sugar levels.
      By: Sport Moments
      Glucose homeostasis is the regulation of blood sugar levels.
    • Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.
      By: zothen
      Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.
    • If the pancreas fails to properly produce insulin, blood glucose levels will rise.
      By: pixdesign123
      If the pancreas fails to properly produce insulin, blood glucose levels will rise.
    • Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.
      By: nyul
      Exercise therapy can be used to help diabetics maintain low blood glucose levels.