Your liver is responsible for the energy and nutrients given to all of your cells. This is a very demanding job when you think about all of the different cells, systems and organs your body has. Your cells need energy for everything they do and they cannot adequately get these nutrients without the help of the liver and its influence on your blood glucose.
Function of the Liver
One of the main functions of your liver is to keep a steady blood glucose level. If blood glucose drops too low, you risk going into a state of hypoglycemia, which can cause light-headedness, confusion and anxiety, because your brain is not receiving the nutrients it needs. It also works to prevent hyperglycemia, which is too much blood glucose, which can lead to the development of diabetes.
Glucose Production
During periods of fasting, such as between meals or at night while you are sleeping, the liver strives to keep a steady blood glucose. It does this by releasing glucose into the blood from its stores or by converting other substances into glucose. Glycogenesis occurs when glucose is liberated from its storage form, glycogen, and placed into the blood for use by the cells that need it. Gluconeogenesis occurs when your liver converts amino acids and waste products into glucose.
Post Prandial Liver Action
After you eat, your liver increases its stores of glucose. When blood sugar is high, your liver takes in excess glucose and stores it as glycogen for later use. Generally, this action occurs after you've eaten when glucose is being released into the blood from your small intestine.
Mechanism
How does the liver know when to release or take in glucose? It all has to do with hormones. When you have a high level of glucose, your body releases insulin, a hormone that triggers storage. During times of low blood glucose, the hormone glucagon is released. Glucagon tells your liver to break down glycogen, stimulates gluconeogenesis and signals the liver to release glucose into the blood.
Ketones
There are organs that run only on blood glucose, and one is your brain. When glucose and glycogen stores are in short supply, your liver preserves them for the organs that need it and makes an alternative fuel for the other cells to run on. Ketones are produced by your liver as this alternative fuel. When glucose is running low, insulin decreases and glucagon increases, and your liver knows it is time to turn to ketones. These are made through the breakdown of your fat stores and released into the bloodstream for use.
References
- Diabetes Education Online: The Liver and Blood Sugar
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Hypoglycemia
- "Anatomy and Physiology"; Kenneth S. Saladin; 2004
- ColoState.edu: Glucagon; R. Bowen; June 1999
- Hepatitis.org: The Healthy Liver
