Insulin and Glucagon: How They Work Together to Regulate Blood Sugar

How Insulin and Glucagon Work Together to Manage Glucose

Did you know your body relies on two key hormones to regulate energy and blood sugar levels? These hormones, insulin and glucagon, are produced by the pancreas and play opposite but complementary roles. While insulin lowers blood sugar, glucagon raises it. This balance ensures that your body receives a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Any disruption in this balance may lead to health conditions such as diabetes or hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

What are insulin and glucagon?

The pancreas produces two notable hormones: insulin and glucagon. These regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin lowers blood sugar by transferring glucose from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. This glucose is then used as energy or stored for future use.

In contrast, glucagon increases blood sugar levels. When blood glucose drops, glucagon prompts the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Together, these hormones maintain blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Imbalances can result in conditions like diabetes. A healthy diet, physical activity, and appropriate medical care can help regulate these hormones effectively. However, in Type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin, making medical treatment with insulin injections essential.

How Do Insulin and Glucagon Work Together?

Insulin and glucagon have opposing actions but share the common goal of maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body. When blood sugar is high, insulin is released to lower it. When blood sugar is too low, glucagon is released to increase it. This teamwork ensures that the body has a stable energy supply and avoids sudden spikes or drops in glucose levels.

1. How Does Insulin Work?

When blood sugar levels rise, especially after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin helps transport glucose into body cells, where it is either used for energy or stored as fat or glycogen in the liver and muscles. It also signals the liver to stop producing extra glucose.

Without enough insulin, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream instead of entering cells. This can result in diabetes.

• In type 1 diabetes, the body produces no insulin, and external injections are necessary.
• In type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin but does not use it effectively.
   

Insulin is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and providing energy to the body.
 

2. How Does Glucagon Work?

When blood sugar levels fall, such as between meals or during physical activity, the pancreas releases glucagon. This hormone tells the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream.

Glucagon also supports the formation of new glucose (a process called gluconeogenesis) from proteins and other sources, ensuring the body, especially the brain, has sufficient energy.

A deficiency or malfunction of glucagon can lead to hypoglycaemia, causing symptoms such as shakiness, fatigue, or fainting. In emergencies, glucagon injections may be used for quickly restoring blood glucose levels.

What Happens if Glucagon is Too Low?

When glucagon is too low, the body cannot effectively raise blood sugar during low-glucose episodes. This results in hypoglycaemia, characterised by:

• Shaking or sweating
• Dizziness or confusion
• Sudden hunger
• In severe cases, fainting, convulsions, or coma
   

This is particularly dangerous for people using insulin to manage diabetes. If their glucagon response is impaired, they may struggle to recover from low blood sugar without immediate intervention. Emergency responses include consuming fast-acting sugar (such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or jaggery) or receiving a glucagon injection. Medical help is necessary in extreme cases.

Maintaining a balance between insulin and glucagon is essential for stable blood sugar and overall health. Follow a balanced Indian diet, stay physically active, and seek medical advice for unusual symptoms. With healthy lifestyle choices and timely care, your body can efficiently regulate these vital hormones and maintain consistent energy.