Insulin is the major hormone produced by the pancreatic betacell (Islet of Langerhans). The main role of insulin is to regulateblood glucose. Because you are doing physiology, a relative comesto you to explain why they have been feeling unwell and suffering“funny attacks” at irregular times. The symptoms they describe toyou are the following – headaches and mental confusion, tiredness,and weakness, shaking and a fast heart rate. Your relative saysthese symptoms disappear when they eat sweets or a small snack.
Can you give your relative some clues as to what might behappening to explain their symptoms? Your answer should includewhat is happening with your relatives blood glucose levels to causesuch symptoms, what hormones are being released from the pancreas,the adrenal medulla and cortex and what these hormones may be doingto maintain blood glucose homeostasis.
