Researchers closer to understanding how blood glucose homeostasis occurs in the body
04/27/2018 // Michelle Simmons // Views

Researchers are getting closer to getting closer to understanding how blood sugar homeostasis happens in the body, as they found that the pancreatic islets are responsible for maintaining normal blood glucose levels in the body, according to a study published in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism.

The study was conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the U.S. who examined whether there is a main organ or mechanism that regulates normal blood glucose levels.

“Our hypothesis was that the glycemic set point results from the pancreatic islets working as an organ, where the hormonal output is governed by features and mechanisms intrinsic to the islet tissue,” said Rayner Rodriguez-Diaz, the first author of the study.

To test their hypothesis, they transplanted pancreatic islets from different species, which included humans, into diabetic and non-diabetic mice. After that, they measured the blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance of the mice. Through their experiment, they found that the transplanted islets transferred the glycemic levels of the donor species. This result suggested that the pancreatic islets are responsible for the regulation of normal blood glucose levels. Lead researcher Per-Olof Berggren described this as the “glucostat” in the body. Interestingly, the researchers also found that the cells that release the hormone glucagon in pancreatic islets are significant for the regulation of insulin-producing cells, and thus the management of blood sugar levels.

Brighteon.TV

“This means that it is imperative to use human pancreatic islets when investigating how this complex microorgan regulates glucose homeostasis under normal conditions, and why this is not functioning in diabetes,” said Alejandro Caicedo, a researcher at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The researchers concluded that their findings imply transplantation and regenerative approaches in treating diabetes. This is because the restoration of normal blood glucose levels may need more than replacing only the insulin-producing cells.

Tips on maintaining blood sugar levels

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is needed by the body for energy. Blood sugar levels in the body should be regulated because an imbalance in their levels can affect health. If the blood sugar levels in the body are too low (hypoglycemia) or if they are too high (hyperglycemia), it can pose serious threats to health. In fact, hyperglycemia results in diabetes, a disease when the blood sugar levels are too high. Therefore, it is important to regulate blood glucose levels in the body.

Here are some ways on how to stabilize blood sugar levels:

  • Exercise – Exercising regularly can help control blood sugar levels over time. According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, participants enrolled in a 12-week program who exercised for an hour three times a week using aerobic and resistance training showed improved diabetes management. (Related: How to regulate your blood sugar without prescription drugs.)
  • Lose weight – Losing even five or 10 pounds can make it easier for overweight people with high blood sugar levels to stabilize their blood sugar more effectively.
  • Make healthy diet changes – A lot of people with diabetes attain better control over their blood glucose by avoiding or limiting the kinds of foods that can cause blood sugar to increase. Eating more lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods may be recommended. In addition, adding foods that contain fiber in a meal that might increase blood sugar levels can help stabilize it. This is because fiber slows down digestion.
  • Limit alcohol intake – Alcohol can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar and then a drop a few hours late. Thus, it is most appropriate only to consume moderate amounts and eat some solid food with it.

Read more news stories and studies on blood glucose by going to DiabetesScienceNews.com.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

MedlinePlus.gov

EverydayHealth.com



Take Action:
Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NaturalNews.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.
App Store
Android App
eTrust Pro Certified

This site is part of the Natural News Network © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing International, LTD. is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published here. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
Natural News uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.