Final answer:
The pancreas regulates blood glucose levels through the release of glucagon, which prevents blood sugar levels from dropping too low during fasting, and insulin, which prevents it from rising too high after a carbohydrate-rich meal.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood glucose regulation is primarily managed by two hormones released by the pancreas. Glucagon keeps the blood sugar level from going too low when you haven't eaten for a long time, and insulin keeps it from going too high when you've consumed a lot of carbohydrates. When the blood glucose level is high, beta cells secrete insulin, which facilitates the uptake and utilization of glucose by target cells. Conversely, when the blood glucose level is low, alpha cells secrete glucagon, stimulating the conversion of glycogen stores into glucose, thereby raising blood glucose levels to a normal range.