Insulin-glucose feedback.

Started by Singh
Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
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S

Singh

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I have been discussing this question with my girlfriend and we can't seem to agree.

Is the insulin-glucose system an example of negative feedback? I wouldn't think it is, since negative feedback is defined as: the condition of maintaining a constant output of a system by exertion of an inhibitory control on a key step in the system by a product of that system. (from dorlands medical dictionary).

Glucose isn't a product of the pancreas, but the question is if a reduction in blood glucose is considered to be a product?

Any comments?
 
I don't think that is the best example of negative feedback. I think I better example is the Hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Hope this helps
 
Singh said:
I have been discussing this question with my girlfriend and we can't seem to agree.

Is the insulin-glucose system an example of negative feedback? I wouldn't think it is, since negative feedback is defined as: the condition of maintaining a constant output of a system by exertion of an inhibitory control on a key step in the system by a product of that system. (from dorlands medical dictionary).

Glucose isn't a product of the pancreas, but the question is if a reduction in blood glucose is considered to be a product?

Any comments?
Click to expand...

Yes it is negative feedback. The product of a system is more correctly though of as a STATE of the system. In this case the product/state is the concentration of glucose in the blood. There are many other STATES that the body maintains via negative feedback systems: blood pressure, blood PH, etc. In the case of insulin and glucose, glucose concentration is the product and insulin is the inhibitory control.
 
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It's like the good ol' room temperature + thermostat example they always use, except you occasionally set the room on fire.
 
Iwy Em Hotep said:
It's like the good ol' room temperature + thermostat example they always use, except you occasionally set the room on fire.
Click to expand...

So the fire would be like a hyperglycemic crisis? I suppose ketoacidosis would then be like smoke damage? This may revolutionize patient education! :laugh:
 
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