When a person hasn't eaten for most of the day, the body initiates the post absorptive or fasting state. The pancreas releases glucagon hormone that stimulates the breakdown of stored glycogen to maintain glucose levels. This process, along with the reduced secretion of insulin, helps in maintaining blood glucose regulation
When an individual hasn't eaten for most of the day, their blood glucose levels begin to drop. This initiates a mechanism known as the post absorptive state or the fasting state. During this state, the body breaks down stored glycogen to maintain necessary levels of glucose in the blood. This glycogen breakdown is triggered by the hormone glucagon, released from the alpha cells of the pancreas.
As glucose levels in the blood decrease, the secretion of insulin also reduces and the body slows down the storage of glycogen and triglycerides. Glucagon acts on liver cells, inhibiting glycogen synthesis and stimulating its breakdown. This helps in maintaining blood glucose levels within the range of 80-120 mg/dL.
Moreover, glucagon also induces the release of fatty acids into the blood from adipose cells. This collaborative action of insulin and glucagon ensures the homeostasis of blood glucose levels, irrespective of food consumption patterns.
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