Final answer:
Blood glucose levels increase after a carb-rich meal, which leads to the secretion of insulin that promotes the uptake and storage of glucose in the form of glycogen and fat. This process helps in maintaining blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Step-by-step explanation:
After consuming a carb-rich meal, the blood glucose levels become elevated. This signals the beta cells of the pancreas to release insulin, which assists in regulating blood sugar by promoting the uptake of glucose by tissues for energy production and storing excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Any glucose that exceeds the storage capacity of glycogen is converted into fats for long-term storage in adipose tissue.
Functionally, this system of regulation helps maintain proper glucose levels in the blood. Once the glucose is absorbed, insulin levels will gradually decrease, and any further drop in blood glucose would trigger the release of glucagon to maintain homeostasis.