Insulin and glucagon

Insulin and glucagon are two hormones that work together to help regulate blood sugar levels in the body.

Insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas and is released when blood sugar levels are high. Its primary function is to lower blood sugar levels by allowing cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream to be used as energy or stored for later use. Insulin also promotes the storage of excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles.

Glucagon, on the other hand, is produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas and is released when blood sugar levels are low. Its main role is to raise blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to break down stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream for cells to use as energy.

These two hormones work in a feedback loop to maintain blood sugar balance. When blood sugar levels rise, insulin is released to bring it back down. Conversely, when blood sugar levels drop, glucagon is released to increase it. This delicate balance helps to ensure that the body has a constant supply of energy to function properly.