Fruits and vegetables contain soluble and insoluble fiber in varying proportions. When you eat soluble fiber, it absorbs water to form a gel-like mass, which helps you feel full and provides other health benefits. It prevents a surge in blood sugar after you eat by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates.
If the blood glucose level falls to dangerous levels (as in very heavy exercise or lack of food for extended periods), the Alpha cells of the pancreas release glucagon, a hormone whose effects on liver cells act to increase blood glucose levels.
Insulin is a relatively small peptide hormone produced by Î²-cells in the pancreas. Itâs main job is to signal the liver, muscle and fat tissues to take up glucose from the blood and store it as glycogen. As the glucose level in the blood drops to normal, insulin release slows or stops. If it drops too low, an antagonistic hormone, called glucagon, is released which does the opposite of insulin, stimulating cells to break down glycogen and release glucose.