Diabetes Flashcards
What is type two diabetes caused by?
Obesity or lack of exercise
Why is a lack of insulin a problem?
Because the body will struggle to regulate glucose levels
In type two diabetes the pancreas still produces insulin: so why can’t the blood glucose levels be controlled?
The body has built up resistance to the insulin
In a healthy pancreas which cells produce insulin?
Beta cells
How does type one diabetes develop?
When the beta cells in the pancreas are destroyed
Why do we need insulin and how does it work?
When we eat, glucose is released into our bloodstream, the insulin acts like a key and opens cells so they can take in the glucose
What is the definition of hormones?
Chemical substances that regulate the cells of the body
What is the purpose of glucagon
Glucagon allows glycogen to be converted back into glucose and be released back into the blood stream
What is an auto immune disease?
An auto immune disease is a disease where the body attacks itself
How is artificial insulin produced?
By genetically engineered bacteria
Why must diabetics eat healthily?
So they do not eat foods that makes their blood sugar levels spike too high
Apart from reducing the effects of diabetes, what other advantages does having a healthy diet have?
- it can be fun
- it can provide a hobby
- it reduces the risks of other health related illnesses
Why is untreated diabetes a problem?
It is a problem because if there’s too much glucose in the bloodstream the concentration of glucose is too high. Due to osmosis the water in the cells is then transported into the blood and the cells become dehydrated
What problems can having dehydrated cells cause?
- constantly being thirsty
- organ failure
- blindness
