D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
Blood glucose is regulated by pancreatic alpha and beta cells secreting glucagon and insulin in opposing negative feedback responses in human physiology.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D3.3.3
- Level
- HL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing7%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–5
Common command terms
- Identify
- Explain
- Describe
- Outline
- State
- Discuss
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ19(b)[ 7 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
May 2025Paper1A ["HL"] · TZ130[ 1 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
November 2023Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ21(e)[ 3 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
November 2017Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ025[ 1 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
November 2015Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ08(b)[ 5 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
Practice this objective
Coverage 2013–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Beta cells secrete insulin when blood glucose is high.
- Alpha cells secrete glucagon when blood glucose is low.
- Insulin promotes glucose uptake and glycogen formation, while glucagon promotes glucose release.