# Explain how the body maintains blood glucose concentration within a narrow range after a carbohydrate-rich meal.

> IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus) — D3.3 Homeostasis · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Rising blood glucose is detected by beta cells in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
2. Beta cells secrete insulin into the blood in response to elevated blood glucose
3. Insulin causes body cells (particularly liver and muscle cells) to take up glucose / stimulates conversion of glucose to glycogen (glycogenesis)
4. This is an example of negative feedback — blood glucose is restored to the set point / normal range, reducing the stimulus for further insulin release

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Standard Level (2023 syllabus)](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/explain-how-the-body-maintains-blood-493cc05c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.