How the Body Controls Blood Sugar

Insulin, glucagon and other hormone levels rise and fall to maintain a normal range of blood sugar levels. Too little or too much of these hormones can cause blood sugar levels to fall too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia or Diabetes).

Normally, blood glucose levels increase slightly after a meal. When blood sugar rises, cells in the pancreas release insulin, which causes the body to absorb glucose from the blood, thus lowering the blood sugar level to normal. When blood sugar drops too low, the level of insulin declines and other cells in the pancreas release glucagon, which causes the liver to turn stored glycogen back into glucose and release it into the blood. This brings blood sugar levels back up to normal.