Physio 24: Endocrine Functions of the Pancreas & Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism

Carbohydrate metabolism sits at the centre of survival, performance, and disease. The pancreas, through its endocrine function, acts as a metabolic adjudicator—deciding when glucose is stored, mobilised, or conserved.In this episode, Medlock Holmes explores insulin, glucagon, and counter-regulatory hormones, focusing on how blood glucose is stabilised across feeding, fasting, and stress. Rather than presenting metabolism as a static balance, this episode frames it as dynamic allocation, constantly adjusting to availability and demand.We also examine how dysregulation reveals the cost of imbalance—when timing, sensitivity, or coordination fails.Here, physiology shows us that energy control is not about abundance.It is about appropriate access.Key Takeaways* The pancreas regulates blood glucose through coordinated hormone release* Insulin and glucagon act as complementary regulators* Metabolic control shifts across feeding and fasting states* Tissue sensitivity is as important as hormone concentration* Dysregulation reflects systemic imbalance, not isolated failure This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drmanaankarray.substack.com/subscribe