Science: Biology

5.2.2 Blood Glucose Control

Exam Board: AQA

Blood Glucose Control

The pancreas monitors and manages blood glucose concentration in the following way:

• If it is too high (after eating)  

1. Pancreas releases insulin   

2. Liver/muscle cells take up glucose and turn it into glycogen (storage)  

3. Blood glucose ↓

• Too Low (fasting) (HT Only)

1. Pancreas releases glucagon  

2.  Glycogen in the liver is broken down into glucose which is release into the blood  

3. Blood glucose ↑

This is an example of negative feedback. Negative feedback is when the body reverses change to restore normal level. Negative feedback is a core mechanism of homeostasis.

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot regulate blood glucose concentrations, resulting in dangerously high blood sugar.

There are 2 types:

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