Blood Sugar Regulation

Insulin & glucagon

How does blood Sugar Regulation work?

Insulin and glucagon keep blood glucose in a fairly narrow range around the clock.

How it works, step by step

1. Carbohydrates are digested; glucose enters blood.
2. The pancreas releases insulin.
3. Insulin helps muscle, fat and liver cells take up glucose.
4. Between meals glucagon tells the liver to release stored glucose.

Context

Glucose rising after meals is normal. Diabetes is diagnosed with lab tests, not with a food log or how you feel.

Evidence & sources

• Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into cells; glucagon raises blood glucose when it falls. Evidence: established. Known: Basic physiology. Unknown: — Source: NIH NIDDK, Insulin Resistance & Prediabetes (Current revision).

Connected topics

• Carbohydrate
• Fiber
• Pancreas
• Liver
• Added Sugars
• Aerobic Activity

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General education only, not medical advice. Drafted Oct 2026 · pending qualified expert review.