This topic summary covers Knowledge Organiser within Glucose Regulation for GCSE Biology. Topic 6: Glucose Regulation It is section 14 of 15 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 14 of 15
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Knowledge Organiser
Blood Glucose Control
- High glucose → beta cells → insulin → glycogenesis → glucose falls
- Low glucose → alpha cells → glucagon → glycogenolysis → glucose rises
- Insulin — lowers blood glucose; glucose into cells; glycogen stored
- Glucagon — raises blood glucose; glycogen → glucose; released to blood
- Target organs for insulin: liver and muscle cells
- Target organ for glucagon: liver
Diabetes Comparison
- Type 1: No insulin produced (beta cells destroyed by immune system)
- Type 1 treatment: Insulin injections (essential)
- Type 2: Cells do not respond to insulin (insulin resistance)
- Type 2 risk factors: Obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise
- Type 2 treatment: Diet, exercise, weight loss; medication if needed
- Both: Persistently high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) if untreated