Final answer:
Insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas that have opposite effects on blood sugar levels; insulin lowers, while glucagon raises them. Both are involved in glucose homeostasis and diabetes management, and both can influence ketone production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Insulin and Glucagon Insulin and glucagon are hormones secreted by the pancreas to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is released by the beta cells in response to high blood glucose levels; it facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells for energy and storage, thus lowering blood sugar. In contrast, glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells when blood glucose levels are low; it promotes the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, raising blood sugar levels.
Both hormones are involved in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis but have opposite effects. They also play a role in diabetes mellitus management, with altered levels of insulin leading to either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In terms of molecular structure, both insulin and glucagon are peptide hormones, which allows them to be synthesized and secreted rapidly as needed.
They are different in their secretion triggers and functions, but they share the goal of keeping blood glucose levels within a normal range. Another similarity is that both can influence the production of ketones, with insulin inhibiting and glucagon promoting ketone production, especially during fasting or in untreated diabetes.