Regulation of blood sugar level is imperative to health, because everyone needs energy to survive. Blood sugar levels are regulated physiologically by hormones within our body. For diabetics, frequent checking of the blood is required to help with blood sugar management. Healthy, non-diabetic individuals, on the other hand, are unlikely to check their levels at all. Because many diabetics remain asymptomatic for years before being diagnosed, everyone should know their blood sugar levels. Undergoing laboratory blood draws once or twice a year is a good way to see how your blood sugar is being regulated. A normal blood sugar is between 70 mg to 110 mg per dl. For non-diabetics, regulation of blood sugar is taken care of with insulin and glucagon. Optimization of blood sugars occurs through a healthy diet and exercise. Diabetics may further benefit with more assistance from medications, diet, and exercise.
Role of Insulin
Insulin is a hormone whose primary role is to regulate blood sugar. According to Medline Plus Encyclopedia, a division of the National Institute of Health, insulin is produced by cells located on the pancreas in response to sugar intake. The role of insulin is to make this sugar available to our cells to use for energy. Insulin also acts to bring blood sugar to appropriate levels, allowing the body to have the energy it needs to function properly.
Role of Glucagon
Glucagon, another hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, is produced by the alpha cells located on the pancreas and is released during times of low blood sugar. Insulin acts during hyperglycemia, otherwise known as high blood sugar; conversely, glucagon acts during hypoglycemia or times of low blood sugar. When blood sugar begins to fall, glucagon signals the liver to break down glycogen and release glucose into the blood stream to provide energy to cells. Stored glucose is known as glycogen.
In Combination
It's important to acknowledge insulin and glucagon separately, but the work these two do together allows for optimal blood sugar regulation. They work synergistically, but in opposite directions. Think of insulin working down a pathway and glucagon working back up a pathway. Insulin stimulates storage, and glucagon stimulates breakdown of storage.
Diet and Blood Sugar Levels
Diet can play a big role in regulating blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates, protein, and fat each have varying effects on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates cause a dramatic increase in blood sugars, proteins have a more moderate effect and fats have the least effect. As a result, greater amounts of insulin are released following a high carbohydrate meal rather than a meal that is balanced with protein, fat and carbohydrates. Knowing specific amounts needed of these nutrients goes a long way in regulating blood sugar levels.
Medication and Blood Sugar Levels
Medication can also help to regulate blood sugar levels to an ideal range of 70 mg to 110 mg per dl. Although medications are not typically used in healthy individuals, they can be quite useful for those who are unable to process insulin effectively such as someone with diabetes. After lifestyle and diet modifications, medications may be helpful for diabetics.
