Explain how blood glucose concentration is controlled in the body

When high levels of glucose in the blood are detected, insulin is released from beta cells in the islets of Langerhan in the pancreas.Insulin then binds to insulin receptors of cells, which causes an increased rate of glucose absorption into the cell (which reduces the blood glucose concentration).Insulin also binds to receptors in the liver, causing glucose to be converted to glycogen (this is glycogenesis), which also reduces blood glucose levels.
In summary: insulin is released in response to high blood glucose levels and acts to reduce blood glucose concentration by increasing its absorption into cells and converting it to a storage form (glycogen).

HH
Answered by Hannah H. Biology tutor

2791 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the events that occur leading to an action potential, and briefly explain why it is described as "all or nothing"?


What is the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction?


Define ADH and describe the mechanism of its action


Blue-spotted tree monitors (Varanus macraei) are found on the Indonesian island of Batanta. Describe how you could use the mark-release-recapture method to estimate the number of Varanus macraei on the island. (4 marks)


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