# Describe how the hormone insulin returns blood glucose levels to normal after a meal high in carbohydrates. Include the role of the pancreas and liver in your answer.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans · Describe · 4 marks

> After eating a meal high in carbohydrates, blood glucose levels rise above the normal level.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose levels and releases (secretes) insulin into the bloodstream.
2. Insulin causes the liver (and body cells) to take up glucose from the blood.
3. Glucose is converted to glycogen (and stored in the liver).
4. Blood glucose levels return to (the normal/optimum level), completing the negative feedback cycle.

## Key terms

- [insulin](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/insulin)
- [pancreas](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pancreas)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-hormone-insulin-returns-1b758c70) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.