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Introduction
Homeostasis is the constant regulation of the body's internal
environment in response to external environmental changes using a
negative feedback system (Saladin, Kenneth, 2001). Homeostasis
regulates many physiological variables throughout the body, these include
blood pH and glucose levels, core body temperature and
norephinepherine levels. There is no particular centre for homeostasis in
the body, although most processes are carried out via the hypothalamus
in the brain.
Overview
The levels of glucose in the blood is regulated by the process of
homeostasis which is controlled by the Islets of Langerhans, located in the
pancreas. Pancreatic hormones and the liver regulate blood glucose
concentrations. These hormones are released from three different types of
cell, alpha: -cells, beta: -cells and delta: -cells. Aerobic respiration of
glucose levels carried in the blood plasma provide energy for neurons in
the brain, therefore the levels of blood glucose must always be
maintained at a constant level. If it is not, this can lead to tissue damage
and hyperglycaemia.
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Hormones
Glucagon
Glucagon is a peptide that is made up of twenty nine amino acids.
Between meals, glucose is secreted into the blood by the liver. Stored
glycogen in the liver is broken down by glucagon in a process called
glycogenolysis into glucose-6-phosphate. The phosphate is removed and
the remaining glucose is secreted into the blood. If the glucose levels
remain low, the liver will begin converting lactic acid and amino acids into
glucose by the process of gluconeogenesis (new formation of glucose)
(Campbell and Reece, 2005). The amino acids used for this process are
obtained from the muscles and thus explains the quick muscle wastage
that occurs during fasting. The skeletal muscle lacks the enzyme required
for this breakdown process so the glycogen stored here is not secreted
into the blood. It is used in the process of glycolysis to produce energy.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone constructed by a polypeptide chain made up of
fifty amino acids. Insulin's main function is to assist in lowering blood
glucose concentration. It promotes storage of glucose by stimulating cell
membranes in connective tissue and muscle cells to increase their
absorption and use of glucose during respiration. Insulin promotes the
process of glycogenesis while inhibiting glycogenolysis and completely
2
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Somatostatin
Somatostatin is a hormone compiled of fourteen amino acids and is
released from the -cells of the pancreas during the digestion of a meal.
It inhibits the release of glucagons and insulin in the pancreas (Nelson,
2011)
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for this condition includes insulin injections which are manufactured from
synthetic insulin produced by genetically engineered bacteria.
Type two diabetes usually develops in adults and is commonly
associated with poor diet, stress or obesity. It occurs when tissue becomes
insensitive to insulin and therefore more insulin is secreted. Nonadipose
tissue cells in the liver become insensitive and this causes a greater
storage of fats into adipose tissue. This and heightened lipogenesis cause
an increase in appetite, food intake and therefore weight gain (Nelson,
2011). Those who have type II diabetes mellitus can often control their
diabetes through diet and exercise and may not need insulin injections at
all.
Furthermore, lack of insulin can result in hyperglycaemia (an excess of
glucose in the blood) which causes fatigue and also osmotic diuresis. This
results in constant thirst and also potentially fatal lack of salt and water in
the body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, glucose is a vital fuel in the function of our bodies. It is used
extensively to research and potentially find ways of reducing the effects of
diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus is a massive problem in today's
society due to lifestyle choices and levels of obesity rising in younger
adults and even children.
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Bibliography
Saladin, Kenneth S. Anatomy and Physiology: The Unity of Form and
Function, 2nd edition. New York: McGraw Hill, 2001.
Raven, Johnson, Losos, Mason, Singer. Biology: 8th edition. New York:
McGraw Hill, 2008
Campbell and Reece, Biology: 7th edition. Pearson, 2005
Nelson, Randy J. An Introduction to Behavioural Endocrinology: 4th edition
Sinauer Associates, 2011
Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia predict coronary heart disease events in
middle-aged patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
Seppo ; Ronnemaa, Tapani, Haffner, Steven M. ; Pyorala, Kalevi ; Kallio,
Veikko ; Laakso, Markku Diabetes August, 1997, Vol.46(8) [Peer Reviewed
Journal]
http://physiology-11.wikispaces.com/02+Homeostasis (Diagram)
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