The human body can regulate blood sugar levels within a specific range, even when consuming large amounts of carbohydrates. This is an example of what process?

The process by which the human body regulates blood sugar levels within a specific range, even when high amounts of carbohydrates are consumed, is called homeostasis. Specifically, blood sugar regulation is a part of glucose homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the ability of an organism or environment to maintain stability in response to changes. The body can control the level of blood sugar through the action of hormones like insulin and glucagon, which are secreted by the pancreas.

When blood sugar levels rise, such as after eating a meal high in carbohydrates, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose (sugar) from the blood into cells, where it can be used for energy or stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. If blood sugar levels drop too low, the pancreas releases glucagon, which signals the liver to release stored glucose back into the bloodstream. This sophisticated balance ensures that the body's cells have a steady supply of energy while preventing the damaging effects of blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low.