A systems model of blood glucose control.

A mathematical model for the short-term control of glucose is presented, focusing upon the role of the liver. Non-linear representation is provided, enabling complete system behaviour of the metabolic and endocrine processes to be analysed, including both basic auto-regulation and higher levels of control. The level of a priori knowledge incorporated in the formulation is maximised by including unit process dynamics, making direct use of known enzymological data. From simulation results, hypotheses concerning system structure are tested. Hormones are seen to be important in maintaining the biochemical environment, providing the coarse control. The dominant control of flux within the glucose metabolic pathways is intrinsic to the enzyme systems which can be looked upon as providing the fine tuning and auto regulatory effects.