Control of blood glucose Flashcards
What is homeostasis?
The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.
What is the normal range of blood glucose concentration in humans?
4 to 6 mmol/L.
True or False: Insulin decreases blood glucose levels.
True.
What hormone is responsible for increasing blood glucose levels?
Glucagon.
Fill in the blank: The pancreas contains clusters of cells called ____ that produce insulin.
islets of Langerhans.
What type of feedback mechanism is involved in blood glucose regulation?
Negative feedback.
Which cells in the pancreas secrete insulin?
Beta cells.
What is glycogenesis?
The process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage.
What is the role of the liver in blood glucose regulation?
It stores glycogen and releases glucose into the bloodstream.
True or False: Glucose is the primary energy source for brain cells.
True.
What happens to blood glucose levels after eating?
They increase.
What is the effect of exercise on blood glucose levels?
Exercise decreases blood glucose levels.
What does the term ‘hyperglycemia’ mean?
High blood glucose levels.
What does the term ‘hypoglycemia’ mean?
Low blood glucose levels.
What is the primary function of insulin?
To facilitate the uptake of glucose by cells.
Fill in the blank: Glucagon promotes the conversion of glycogen back to ____.
glucose.
What condition is characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin?
Type 1 diabetes.
What condition is characterized by insulin resistance?
Type 2 diabetes.
True or False: The body can only use glucose as a source of energy.
False.
What is the role of the adrenal glands in blood glucose control?
They release hormones like adrenaline that increase blood glucose levels.
Which hormone is released during stress to increase blood glucose?
Adrenaline.
What is the function of somatostatin in blood glucose regulation?
It inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon.
Fill in the blank: The process of converting glucose to energy is called ____.
cellular respiration.
What can prolonged high blood glucose levels lead to?
Diabetes and its complications.
What is the main effect of insulin on muscle cells?
To increase glucose uptake.
Which organ primarily regulates blood glucose levels?
The pancreas.
What is the role of GLUT4 transporters?
To transport glucose into cells in response to insulin.
True or False: Blood glucose levels are regulated by hormones only.
False; they are also influenced by diet and activity level.
What is the primary source of glucose during fasting?
Glycogen stores in the liver.
Fill in the blank: The condition resulting from chronic high blood glucose is known as ____.
diabetes mellitus.
What is the role of the kidneys in glucose homeostasis?
They filter glucose from the blood and can reabsorb it.
What is the effect of glucagon on the liver?
It stimulates the liver to release glucose into the blood.
Fill in the blank: The primary site of insulin action is the ____.
liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.
What is the significance of the glycemic index?
It measures how quickly foods raise blood glucose levels.
What does ‘insulin sensitivity’ refer to?
How responsive cells are to insulin.
What dietary component can help regulate blood glucose levels?
Dietary fiber.
True or False: Insulin can be administered orally.
False; it must be injected.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in blood glucose regulation?
It regulates hunger and satiety signals.
What is a common symptom of hypoglycemia?
Dizziness or confusion.
Fill in the blank: The primary effect of insulin on adipose tissue is to promote ____.
fat storage.