The liver is the primary organ that converts glucose.
How the Liver Converts Glucose
The liver plays a critical role in managing blood glucose levels. After you eat, glucose enters the bloodstream, causing blood glucose levels to rise. The liver responds to this increase by performing a process called glycogenesis.
Glycogenesis
In glycogenesis, the liver takes excess glucose and converts it into glycogen, a storage form of glucose. This glycogen can then be stored in the liver for later use, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. The liver's actions are controlled by the pancreatic hormones insulin and glucagon.
Role of Pancreatic Hormones
- Insulin: Released when blood glucose is high, insulin signals the liver to begin glycogenesis.
- Glucagon: Released when blood glucose is low, glucagon signals the liver to break down stored glycogen back into glucose.
| Organ | Function |
|---|---|
| Liver | Converts glucose into glycogen |
| Pancreas | Produces insulin and glucagon |
Example of Liver Glucose Conversion
Imagine you've just eaten a large meal. Your blood glucose levels spike. Here's what happens in your body:
- Glucose Increase: Blood glucose rises due to the digestion of carbohydrates.
- Insulin Release: The pancreas releases insulin in response to the high blood glucose.
- Liver Action: The liver takes up this excess glucose and, through glycogenesis, converts it to glycogen.
- Storage: The glycogen is stored in the liver.
- Regulation: This process prevents your blood glucose levels from getting too high and provides a source of glucose to be used later.
Therefore, the liver directly converts glucose into glycogen for storage, helping maintain blood sugar levels.
