Final answer:
When blood glucose levels get low, the amount of insulin released decreases. The alpha cells of the pancreas are stimulated to secrete glucagon to maintain normal blood glucose levels. Glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream.
Step-by-step explanation:
When blood glucose levels get low, the amount of insulin released decreases. Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels. Its main function is to facilitate the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells to be used as energy or stored as glycogen. However, when blood glucose levels drop, the beta cells stop secreting insulin and the alpha cells of the pancreas are stimulated to release the hormone glucagon. Glucagon stimulates the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
When blood glucose levels get low, the amount of insulin released by the pancreas decreases. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, storing excess as glycogen in the liver. If the beta cells of the pancreas detect a drop in blood glucose concentration below the normal range, insulin secretion is halted. Conversely, glucagon is secreted by the pancreas' alpha cells. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin, as it prompts the conversion of stored glycogen back into glucose by the liver and stimulates gluconeogenesis, which raises the blood sugar levels back to normal.