Final answer:
Insulin and glucagon are hormones that regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is secreted when blood glucose levels rise, while glucagon is secreted when blood glucose levels fall. The secretion of these hormones helps maintain homeostasis of blood glucose levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose levels play a crucial role in the secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon, which are essential for maintaining the homeostasis of blood glucose levels. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after consuming food, the beta cells of the pancreas release insulin. This hormone helps reduce blood glucose by promoting its uptake by cells, enhancing glucose utilization, and stimulating glycogen synthesis. Conversely, when blood glucose levels fall, such as during fasting or exercise, the alpha cells of the pancreas secrete glucagon. This hormone counters low glucose by stimulating glycogenolysis (the breakdown of glycogen to glucose) and gluconeogenesis (the production of glucose from new sources). These processes increase the availability of glucose in the blood to ensure cells receive adequate energy.