How is blood glucose regulated?

High blood glucose levels - such as following a large, carbohydrate rich meal. The increase is detected by Beta cells of the pancreas, which release insulin (a hormone) into the blood. Insulin acts on cells all around the body. It increases the uptake of glucose into muscle cells, increases glycogenesis in liver and muscle, increases protein synthesis and increases lipogenesis. This decreases blood glucose levels because the glucose has been taken and used up by cells. Low blood glucose levels - after fasting for a few hours. The decrease inhibits the release of insulin from B cells and stimulates the release of glucagon from alpha cells. Glucagon acts on liver and muscle cells to increase glycogenolysis. Glucagon also increases gluconeogenesis in the liver. This increases the release of glucose into the blood, restoring levels to normal. Helpful mnemonic - Insulinto cells. Glucagone from the blood.