GCSE Biology (AQA)

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Lowering Blood Glucose Levels

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Homeostasis and Response Hormonal Coordination in Humans

Lowering Blood Glucose Levels

1:41 Control of Blood Glucose Concentration
Spec 4.5.3.2
Previous Nervous & Hormonal Responses Next Increasing Blood Glucose Levels
  • Blood glucose levels increase after eating due to the breakdown of food which produces glucose.
  • Glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream through the small intestine walls and is then carried to body cells.
  • Insulin, a hormone, helps decrease blood glucose levels.
  • Insulin functions by increasing glucose absorption by body cells and converting glucose into glycogen in muscle and liver cells.
  • Glucose molecules are represented as purple hexagons, and glycogen is depicted as a chain or polymer of glucose molecules.
  • Glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose for later use, especially when blood glucose levels drop after not eating for a while.
  • The pancreas plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose by detecting increases in glucose levels and releasing insulin.
  • This release of insulin leads to glucose uptake by body cells and conversion of glucose to glycogen in muscle and liver cells, ultimately lowering blood sugar.
  • The regulation of blood glucose is an example of homeostasis, a process that maintains stability in the body.

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