Science Common Sense
991 - How does the body regulate blood sugar levels?
Your body regulates blood sugar levels with the help of two main things: insulin and glucagon. They work like a balance system.
- Insulin: When you eat food with sugar (like candy or bread), it goes into your bloodstream. Your pancreas (an organ near your stomach) releases insulin, a special helper that opens the doors of your cells. This lets the sugar enter the cells, making your blood sugar level go down.
- Glucagon: If your blood sugar level gets too low (like when you haven't eaten for a while), your pancreas releases glucagon. Glucagon tells your liver (another organ) to release stored sugar into your bloodstream, making your blood sugar level go up.
Your pancreas keeps checking your blood sugar level and sends out insulin or glucagon as needed to keep it balanced, like a thermostat keeps your room temperature just right.