1. Blood glucose control mechanisms
Blood contains glucose which is an important source of energy for the body, including the brain and nervous system.
The glucose in blood must be kept within a normal range for the body to work properly.
If it rises or falls significantly, the body can usually bring it back to normal. This process is called homeostasis.

2. Brainstorm
What do you know already about the hormones that control blood glucose?

3. Free glucose is stored in the body as glycogen

4. Homeostasis and Negative Feedback
Explained simply:
Homeostasis is the maintenance of an internal condition
within a narrow range of values.
More fully explained:
Homeostasis occurs by negative feedback:
A stimulus causes a response which reverses the stimulus.
For example:
When blood glucose levels are high – insulin is produced which lowers blood glucose

5. Two Important Hormones
Description
Overall effect
Insulin
Produced by β-cells in the islets of the pancreas.
Target cells = liver and muscle cells.
Effect – these cells absorb glucose from the blood and convert it to glycogen
Lowers blood glucose level
Glucagon
Produced by α-cells in the islets of the pancreas.
Effect – these cells release glucose into the blood and convert glycogen to glucose
Raises blood glucose level

6. Insulin and glucose levels