4.5.3.2 Control of blood glucose concentration

Question 1

Which organ monitors and controls blood glucose

concentration?

Answer 1

The pancreas

Question 2

How does the pancreas respond when blood

glucose levels are too high?

Answer 2

The pancreas produces the hormone insulin
that causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells.
In liver and muscle cells excess glucose is converted to glycogen for storage.

Question 3

How is blood glucose concentration controlled using

a negative feedback loop?

Answer 3

● When the blood glucose concentration rises or falls
below the optimum, a hormone is secreted by the
pancreas.
● The action of either hormone (insulin or glucagon)
helps bring back the concentration to the correct
level.

Question 4

What is Type 1 diabetes?

Answer 4

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in
which the pancreas does not produce sufficient
insulin to control the blood glucose concentration.
As a result, blood glucose levels are often very
high, leading to excessive urination, tiredness and
weight loss

Question 5

How can Type 1 diabetes be treated?

Answer 5

● Insulin injections before meals - allows
glucose to be converted into glycogen.
● Limiting carbohydrate intake.
● Attempts using pancreas and pancreatic cell
transplants; investigations into genetic
engineering of pancreatic cells.

Question 6

What is Type 2 diabetes?

Answer 6

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the
body’s cells stop responding to insulin,
leading to an uncontrolled blood glucose
concentration. Its onset is linked with
increasing age and obesity.

Question 7

How can Type 2 diabetes be treated?

Answer 7

● Following a carefully-controlled diet
● Doing regular exercise
● Losing weight
● Use of drugs which increase insulin
production and effectiveness

Question 8

What is osmosis?

Answer 8

Osmosis is the movement of water from a
dilute solution to a concentrated solution
through a partially permeable membrane.

Question 9

If the blood glucose concentration is too low?

Answer 9

The pancreas produces the hormone glucagon
that causes glycogen to be converted into glucose
and released into the blood.