Practise 40 exam-style questions on Control of blood glucose concentration for AQA GCSE Biology. Write your answer as you would in the exam and get it marked in seconds against the mark scheme, point by point, with an AI tutor on hand if you get stuck.
40 questions
2–6 marks each
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20 questions, marked as you go
Sample questions with model answers
Here are 4 of the questions in this topic, each with a model answer, an explanation of why it earns the marks and the mark scheme an examiner would use.
Question 1
3 marks
A trial reports a mean reduction in HBa1c of 0.5% with a new lifestyle programme. Explain what HBa1c measures and why it is useful in diabetes studies.
Model answer
HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) measures average blood glucose over about 2–3 months as glucose binds to haemoglobin. It is useful because it reflects long-term glycaemic control rather than short-term fluctuations.
Explanation
HbA1c indicates the proportion of haemoglobin bound to glucose over the lifespan of red blood cells and is a standard marker for long-term control in diabetes research and practice.
Mark scheme
1 mark
HbA1c is glycated haemoglobin reflecting average blood glucose over ~2–3 months
1 mark
Measures long-term glycaemic control
1 mark
Useful to assess effectiveness of diabetes interventions beyond short-term changes
Question 2
4 marks
Name a rapid-acting and a long-acting form of insulin used clinically and briefly state when each is used.
Model answer
Rapid-acting: insulin lispro / aspart / glulisine — used at mealtimes to control postprandial glucose. Long-acting: insulin glargine / detemir — used once daily to provide basal insulin control between meals and overnight.
Explanation
Rapid-acting insulins are taken with meals to control spikes in glucose; long-acting insulins provide steady baseline insulin over many hours.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Rapid-acting example (lispro/aspart/glulisine)
1 mark
Used at mealtimes to control postprandial glucose
1 mark
Long-acting example (glargine/detemir)
1 mark
Used for basal/background insulin control (between meals/overnight)
Question 3
5 marks
Describe the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and give one typical treatment for each type.
Model answer
Type 1 diabetes: pancreas produces little or no insulin (autoimmune destruction of beta cells) — treatment: insulin injections. Type 2 diabetes: body cells become insulin resistant or less responsive often associated with obesity — treatment: lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and/or medication to improve insulin sensitivity (metformin).
Explanation
Type 1 is an insulin deficiency usually needing insulin therapy; Type 2 involves insulin resistance commonly linked to obesity and is treated initially by lifestyle changes and sometimes drugs.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Type 1: pancreas fails to produce adequate insulin / autoimmune ß-cell destruction
1 mark
Type 1 treatment: insulin injections
1 mark
Type 2: body cells are resistant to insulin / reduced response to insulin
1 mark
Type 2 risk factor: obesity (allow here)
1 mark
Type 2 treatment: diet and exercise / weight loss and/or drugs (e.g., metformin)
Question 4
6 marks
Explain how exercise helps to control blood glucose concentration in people with or at risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Model answer
Exercise increases muscle glucose uptake independent of insulin and improves insulin sensitivity so cells respond better to insulin. Regular activity reduces body fat and weight, lowers insulin resistance, and helps maintain lower fasting and postprandial glucose levels. Exercise also increases glucose utilisation for energy during activity.
Explanation
Physical activity acutely uses blood glucose and chronically improves insulin sensitivity and body composition, which together reduce blood glucose levels and diabetes risk.
Mark scheme
1 mark
Exercise increases glucose uptake into muscle (for energy) independently of insulin
1 mark
Exercise increases insulin sensitivity — cells respond better to insulin
1 mark
Reduces body fat and body mass which reduces insulin resistance
1 mark
Lowers fasting and post-meal glucose levels (improves glycaemic control)
1 mark
Increases glucose utilisation during exercise (temporary reduction in blood glucose)
1 mark
Long-term benefits include reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
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