How does the body respond to low blood glucose levels?

When blood glucose levels drop, the body responds by releasing glucagon from the pancreas. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, and its primary role is to increase blood glucose levels when they are low.

The release of glucagon triggers several key processes to raise blood glucose levels. One of these is glycogenolysis, where glycogen stored in the liver is broken down into glucose and released into the bloodstream. Additionally, glucagon promotes gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and glycerol. This is particularly important during fasting or in times of low carbohydrate availability.

This process ensures that the body's cells, especially vital organs like the brain, receive the energy they need to function properly. Maintaining stable blood glucose levels is crucial for overall homeostasis. Thus, the body’s response to low blood glucose involves glucagon's release, which counteracts the potential harmful effects of hypoglycemia.