Describe the role of pancreas in maintenance of blood sugar level.

Explanation

The endocrine portion of pancreas is made up of Islets of Langerhans.
Structure of Pancreas :
The Islets of Langerhans consists of two types of cells namely alpha cells and beta cells . The alpha cells secrete glucagon and beta cells secrete insulin.
Function of Pancreatic hormones:
A balance between insulin and glucagon production is necessary to maintain blood glucose concentration.
Insulin:
(i) Insulin helps in the conversion of glucose into glycogen which is stored in liver and skeletal muscles.
(ii) It promotes the transport of glucose into the cells.
(iii) It decreases the concentration of glucose in blood.
Glucagon:
(i) glucagon helps in the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver.
(ii) It increases blood sugar levels.
Diabetes mellitus :
the deficiency of insulin causes Diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by
(i) Increase in blood sugar level (Hyperglycemia)
(ii) Excretion of excess glucose in the urine(Glycosuria)
(iii) Frequent urination (polyuria)
(iv) Increased thrist ( Polydipsia)
(v) Increase in appetite (Polyphagia).