Explain why a person with Type 1 diabetes must inject insulin, whereas a person with Type 2 diabetes may be able to manage their condition through diet and exercise alone.

AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

In Type 1 diabetes the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, so the body cannot lower blood glucose; insulin must therefore be injected to replace the missing hormone and control glucose levels.
In Type 2 diabetes the problem is insulin resistance – cells do not respond properly to insulin. Diet and exercise can lower blood glucose and improve cell sensitivity to insulin, so injected insulin is not always required.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms ‘pancreas’, ‘insulin’, ‘insulin resistance’, ‘diet and exercise’
  • Show the cause–effect link: lack of insulin → injection needed; resistance → lifestyle can help

Common mistakes

  • Confusing Type 1 with Type 2 causes; saying the pancreas over‑produces insulin
  • Lacking the phrase ‘insulin resistance’ or not linking diet/exercise to improved sensitivity

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce (sufficient) insulin
  2. So insulin must be injected to replace what the body cannot produce / to allow blood glucose to be controlled
  3. In Type 2 diabetes, the body cells no longer respond to insulin (insulin resistance)
  4. Diet and exercise can reduce blood glucose levels / improve cell sensitivity to insulin, so injected insulin is not always needed

Key terms in this question

Type 1 diabetes · Type 2 diabetes · insulin

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