In carbohydrate metabolism, the hormones insulin and glucagon work together to regulate the levels of glucose in the body.
1. **Insulin**: Insulin is produced by the pancreas in response to high blood sugar levels, such as after a meal. It helps cells take in glucose from the bloodstream to be used for energy or stored for later use.
2. **Glucagon**: Glucagon, also produced by the pancreas, works in the opposite way to insulin. It is released when blood sugar levels are low, signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream to increase blood sugar levels.
Together, insulin and glucagon maintain the balance of glucose in the body, ensuring that cells have a constant supply of energy when needed and preventing blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low.
