# Explain how the hormone insulin helps to regulate blood glucose concentration after a meal.

> WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales) — 2.5.2 Hormonal coordination · Explain · 4 marks

> After eating a meal containing carbohydrates, the concentration of glucose in the blood rises above the normal level.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The pancreas detects the rise in blood glucose concentration and releases insulin
2. Insulin causes the liver (and muscle cells) to convert glucose into glycogen for storage
3. Body cells take up more glucose from the blood (increased uptake by cells)
4. Blood glucose concentration returns to the normal/set level (homeostasis maintained)

## 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 WJEC GCSE Biology (Wales)](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-hormone-insulin-helps-3e169057) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.