Topic Summaries

Control of blood glucose and diabetes

IGCSE > Biology > CIE > IGCSE Biology Topic Summaries > Hormone regulation and waste excretion > Control of blood glucose and diabetes
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Stem cells, microscopy, and microorganisms

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The brain and the eye

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Science skills: Measuring results

  • Blood glucose concentration is monitored and controlled by the pancreas.
  • If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin to return it to normal levels by moving glucose from the blood to the cells. Excess glucose is converted to glycogen for storage in liver and muscles.
  • If blood glucose is too low, the pancreas produces the hormone glucagon, which causes glycogen to be converted into glucose to be released into the blood. 
  • Control of blood glucose concentration by insulin and glucagon occurs via a negative feedback cycle as the body detects a change from the optimum and makes an adjustment to return it back to normal.
  • Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. It is characterised by uncontrolled high blood glucose levels and is normally treated with regular insulin injections.
  • In Type 2 diabetes, the body cells no longer respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas. Obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, and a carbohydrate-controlled diet and an exercise regime are common treatments.

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