Regulation of Blood Glucose during Fasting

Abstract

Muslims fast in the holy month of Ramadan, some also fast in Shawal and other months. After
intake of sehri, blood glucose increases but as fasting continues, it falls. The main control of transition from
feasting to fasting and vice versa is two pancreatic hormones, insulin and glucagon. Insulin is secreted from beta
cells of pancreatic islets after sehri (food) intake and energy is stored. When blood glucose falls due to fasting,
glucagon is secreted from alpha cells of pancreatic islets to release energy and blood glucose rises. During
prolonged fasting, epinephrine released by sympathetic stimulation and cortisol released from adrenal cortex to
maintain blood glucose level.