Blood sugar regulation cells in the pancreatic islets are among the most well understood and important. If the blood glucose level falls to dangerous levels (as during 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. They convert glycogen into glucose (this process is called glycogenolysis). The glucose is released into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, the state of having low blood sugar, is treated by restoring the blood glucose level to normal by the ingestion or administration of dextrose
Blood lead level lead use in gasoline, petrol, paint, soldering material and other products. In the United States, average BLLs measured among tens of thousands of subjects declined from 12.8 to 2.8 µg/dL between 1976 and 1991. In the 1990s, BLLs of children in Australia were measured to be 5 µg/dL, and 9 µg/dL in Barcelona, Spain. In the United States, blood lead levels remain highest for children, for people in urban centers, for people of lower socioeconomic status, and for minorities. Exposure to lead occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Lead enters the bloodstream through exposure and elevates blood lead level