How does the body maintain glucose homeostasis between meals?

The body maintains glucose homeostasis between meals primarily through the action of glucagon. When blood glucose levels drop, which typically occurs several hours after eating, the pancreas responds by releasing glucagon into the bloodstream. This hormone has a critical role in signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen back into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream. This process helps to elevate blood sugar levels back to a normal range, ensuring that the body's cells continue to receive the energy they need for ongoing metabolic processes.

While insulin is crucial for facilitating the uptake of glucose after meals, its influence is less prominent during the fasting state between meals. The release of excess glucose as fat is more of a long-term energy storage mechanism and not a direct immediate response to decreased blood glucose levels. Reducing food intake is not a mechanism the body actively employs to maintain glucose levels; rather, it is the hormonal responses like glucagon that regulate more immediate adjustments in blood glucose levels. Therefore, the release of glucagon is the key action that maintains glucose homeostasis between meals.