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
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing14%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks1–3
Common command terms
- Identify
- Explain
- Describe
- Outline
- State
- Discuss
Recent exam appearances
November 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ16(b)[ 7 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
May 2025Paper1A ["SL"] · TZ221[ 1 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
May 2024Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ26(b)[ 4 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
May 2024Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ130[ 1 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
November 2023Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ26(c)[ 7 ]D3.3.3—Blood glucose regulation
Practice this objective
Coverage 2011–2025 · 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.