Problem 2

Background and context

Glucose levels in the blood are regulated by two hormones; insulin and glucagon. These hormones are secreted by beta and alpha cells of the pancreas respectively. Insulin lowers the blood sugar level by increasing the rate of glucose uptake for ATP production. Type I diabetes results from the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin. 

Glucagon, on the other hand, is released when the blood sugar levels fall. It raises the glucose level by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in muscles. Pancreatic tumors may cause excess secretion of glucagon.