# A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, the patient still produces insulin, but their body cells no longer respond to it effectively. As a result, their blood glucose concentration remains higher than normal after eating. Explain how, in a healthy person, blood glucose concentration would be returned to normal after eating a meal rich in carbohydrates.

> Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) — 4.5 Hormonal coordination · Explain · 5 marks

> Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which body cells become less sensitive to insulin. It is increasingly common and is linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Blood glucose concentration rises after eating carbohydrates / glucose is absorbed into the blood
2. The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose and releases / secretes insulin
3. Insulin causes body cells / liver cells to take up / absorb glucose from the blood
4. Glucose is converted to glycogen / stored as glycogen in the liver
5. Blood glucose concentration returns to / is maintained at the normal level — this is an example of negative feedback / homeostasis

## Key terms

- [insulin](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/insulin)
- [blood glucose concentration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/blood-glucose-concentration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-patient-is-diagnosed-with-type-1edda2fc) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.