How would blood glucose levels be lowered upon becoming too high?

The high concentration of glucose in the blood is detected by the pancreas. Beta cells in the pancreas secrete insulin and the alpha cells cease production of glucagon. The insulin binds to specific receptors on liver and muscle cell membranes and increases their permeability to glucose. Therefore cells take up more glucose, lowering the concentration of glucose in the blood. Additionally, insulin activates enzymes responsible for glycogenesis, which is the converison of glucose to glycogen. Increased glycogenesis means decreased glucose levels. Finally, insulin increases rate of respiration so more glucose is used up and converted to energy, carbon dioxide and water.

EE
Answered by Emily E. Biology tutor

2894 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does an action potential work?


Genetic engineering can be used to modify the genome of an organism to express desirable characteristics. Outline the steps of producing a recombinant DNA molecule.


How does the pacinian corpuscle produce a generator potential?


What are the two types of nucleotide bases which make up DNA, and which bases bond with one another? What is the difference with these bases in RNA?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning