Insulin/glucagon Confusion

[Joker]

Is it true that insulin and glucagon are never both produced at the same time?

Check out this site:

http://www.biologymad.com/resources/A2% ... stasis.pdf

See page 4, last sentence.


In my textbook, it shows a diagram where blood glucose level is above the normal range. It shows when this happens alpha cells secrete less glucagon and the beta cells produce more insulin, simultaneously. It contradicts with the information given by the above site. Which one is right?

[Darby]

I have a feeling that both sources are oversimplifying the concept. Beware, though, of almost anything about biology using the terms "always" or "never."

[pulle998]

Is it true that insulin and glucagon are never both produced at the same time?

Not true, they are conflicting processes, but they work synchronously to bring sugars to cells. Additionally hormones are slow acting, relative to nerve impulses, so you cant just stop producing insulin and expect it to instantaneously disappear from the blood, the same goes for glucagon, so they are both present to some degree. Glucagon in fact stimulates the release of insulin. I could go on but I'm lazy, I hope you get the idea.