The Impact, Implication and

Blood Glucose Summary and Macro-parasite Internet Research Part III: how blood glucose levels are maintained in the body: glucose, insulin, and glucagon Even though the foods we eat are beneficial to the body, excessive eating or eating insufficient food can be disastrous. There are certain types of food that contain components that are potentially harmful to the body. One of these components is sugar. Despite sugar being beneficial to the body, excessive intake of foods containing large quantities of sugar exposes it to the risk of developing adverse effects. Sugar is usually utilized in the body in form of glucose, which can be described in simple terms as sugar that offers nourishment to the body cells.

Absorption of glucose occurs in the small intestines and is distributed to various parts of the body through blood. Body cells obtain glucose from blood and break it down to generate energy.

Scientific studies have revealed that the body has a well developed mechanism through which it regulates release and storage of sugar.

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Through maintaining a steady blood concentration of glucose the body maintains a constant supply of glucose to the cells (Jiang & Zhang, 2003). This mechanism helps minimize fatal variations in glucose concentration immediately after meals and also long after meals.

Glucose is stored in body muscles and also in the liver in form of glycogen. Glycogen can be described as long chains of glucose that are metabolized when the body experiences shortage of glucose (Jiang & Zhang, 2003).

The role of glucose regulation in the body is carried out by two main hormones: Glucagon and insulin. These hormones are produced in the pancreas. One of the main functions of insulin is stimulation of conversion of glucose into glycogen and its storage in the liver.

Insulin is also believed to inhibit the kidneys from producing glucose in addition to stimulating the formation of fat from glycerol and fatty acids. Insulin also stimulates the formation of proteins from amino acids in the muscles. Glucagon, on the other hand, enhances the breakdown of fatty acids to form glucose in addition to stimulating the liver and muscle cells to breakdown glycogen to glucose (Michael & Sircar, 2010).

Part IV: Macroparasite Internet Research Information on where the macroparasite is primarily located in the world, its life cycle and how humans get infected with the macroparasite Mites have been recognized as examples of macroparasites that subject human beings to devastating effects. Mites go through various stages in their process of development, which include egg, larva, nymph and adult stages (Potter, 2010). These stages may be accomplished in a single host or in a number of hosts. Human beings are not usually part of hosts for mites.

Nevertheless, human being may come into contact with mites from external sources such as other animals or dirty areas (North Carolina State University, 2008). Mites that come into contact

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with humans may negatively impact on their health. Mites just like other invisible parasites bite people making them scratch themselves vigorously at the points where they are bitten. Mites, besides causing severe irritation to the skin, can transmit infections to an individual (Smith, n.d).

Some mites, for instance, have been implicated with potentially triggering asthmatic attacks.

Even though mites are found almost in all continents, their population has been shown to be highest in Africa and Asia.

Human symptoms from being infected with the macroparasite, possible treatments and the approximate number of people who are impacted by the macroparasite Some of the recognized symptoms of mite’s infestation include severe irritation that causes itching, allergy, inflammation, and oozing of blood at the infested area. Severe infestation of mites may cause anemic symptoms since they tend to suck huge amounts of blood from an individual. It is estimated that over 100, 000 people become victims of parasitic infections, especially those associated with mites every year (North Carolina State University, 2008). The most effective modality of controlling infestation and spread of mites is the use of insecticides.

Insecticides destroy all stages of this parasite thereby completely eradicating them. The other measure that can be used to control spread of mites is observance of cleanliness and hygiene since mites tend to stay in dirty and dusty places (Illinois Department of Public Health, n.d).

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Illinois Department of Public Health, (n.d.). Mites affecting humans. Retrieved on May 23, 2012 from http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pcmites.htm Jiang, G., & Zhang, B. B., (2003). Glucagon and regulation of glucose metabolism. American Journal of Physiology: Endocrinology, 284(4): 671-8.

Michael, J., & Sircar, S., (2010). Fundamentals of medical physiology. New York, NY: Thieme.

North Carolina State University, (2008). Mites that "bug" people. Retrieved on May 23, 2012 from http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/mites.htm Potter, M. F., (2010). Parasitic mites of humans. Retrieved on May 23, 2012 from http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef637.asp Smith, K. L., (n.d.). Entomology. Retrieved on May 23, 2012 from http://ohioline.osu.edu/hygfact/2000/2101.html