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How Does Glycogen Affect The Body

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Low blood glucose levels are detected by the alpha cells of the pancreatic islets, which respond to hypoglycaemic stimuli by producing the hormone glucagon. Glucagon is a polypeptide hormone that acts in an antagonistic way to insulin, causing blood glucose levels to rise and promote processes that spare glucose utilisation. It has a powerful effect on the liver which stimulates the production of glucose from stored glycogen and amino acids. The insoluble glycogen molecules found in muscle and liver cells is able to be converted back into soluble glucose molecules which then dissolves into the bloodstream, rising blood glucose levels, and glucagon therefore having a hyperglycaemic effect on the body. This process is called gluconeogenesis.

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