Figure 2. Summary of ghrelin's role in blood glucose control.

Ghrelin is secreted in response to low blood glucose levels. Ghrelin inhibits insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity, whilst raising glucagon secretion, resulting in a rise in blood glucose. The raised blood glucose then inhibits ghrelin secretion. This demonstrates the essential role ghrelin plays in glucose homeostasis. Red arrow: Inhibition; Green arrow: Stimulation.