MCDB 1B Lecture 3: Animal Nutrition
17 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
Under normal physiological conditions, blood glucose concentrations are maintained within a narrow range, despite wide fluctuations in supply (food intake) & demand (muscle activity) Brain depends almost entirely on blood glucose as an energy source. Synthesis & breakdown of glycogen are central to maintaining metabolic balance. Hormones insulin & glucagon regulate the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. Carb-rich meal raises insulin levels = synthesis of glycogen. Low blood sugar = glucagon stimulates breakdown of glycogen & releases glucose. Insulin acts on nearly all body cells to stimulate glucose uptake from blood. Brain cells are an exception take up glucose whether or not insulin is present. Glucagon & insulin both produced in the islets of the pancreas. Caused by either a deficiency of insulin or a decreased response to insulin in target tissues. Cells are unable to take up enough glucose to meet metabolic needs. Level of glucose in the blood may exceed the capacity of kidneys to reabsorb it.
