How are Blood Glucose Levels Regulated?
The regulation of blood glucose levels is more complex than simply how much food (or for a newborn, formula or breast milk) is taken in and how much insulin is made by the pancreas. Complex carbohydrates, most typically glycogen, that are stored in certain tissues (but mostly the liver) can be mobilized and broken down into glucose. The amount of fatty acids, lipids, proteins and amino acids in the digestive tract and the circulation can impact on blood glucose regulation. Changes in adrenaline levels can change the levels of glucose in the blood, as can other hormones such as glucagon, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor. Glucose Regulation is Critically Important Glucose is the fuel most readily used by all cells and tissues, and while an adult may have substantial stores of glycogen and other complex carbohydrates, newborns typically do not. After having been provided a steady stream of glucose through their mother’s circulation during pregnancy, the moment of birth presen
