How does the body respond to low blood glucose levels?

When blood glucose levels are low, the body responds by releasing the hormone glucagon to raise glucose levels.

The human body requires a certain level of glucose, a type of sugar, to function properly. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells. When the glucose level in the blood drops, this is detected by the alpha cells in the pancreas. These cells then respond by releasing the hormone glucagon.

Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin, another hormone produced by the pancreas. While insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels when they are high, glucagon works to raise them when they are low. It does this by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This process is known as glycogenolysis.

In addition to glycogenolysis, glucagon also promotes the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as proteins and fats. This process is called gluconeogenesis. Both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis help to increase the amount of glucose in the blood, thereby restoring the balance.

If the body's glucose levels remain low for an extended period, the adrenal glands will release another hormone called cortisol. Cortisol also helps to raise blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and reducing the uptake of glucose by the cells.

In summary, the body has a complex system in place to maintain the right balance of glucose in the blood. When blood glucose levels drop, the body responds by releasing hormones that stimulate the production and release of more glucose. This ensures that the body's cells always have enough energy to function properly.